By Bob Haegele

A 612 credit score is not a good score. It falls in the fair range, which is the category below what’s considered good. It is also significantly lower than the average credit score in the U.S., which is currently 717.

Credit scores can be complex calculations with several moving parts, but the good category typically ranges from 670 to 739. With a 612 score, you may be able to access loans and lines of credit, but not with as favorable rates and terms as someone with a higher score. Read on to learn the details.

What Does a 612 Credit Score Mean?

Typically, a 612 credit score falls in the “fair” range. Credit scores usually range from 300 to 850, so a 612 score isn’t quite at the bottom. However, it does leave much room for improvement.

To put this into context, the typical credit score ranges according to the popular FICO® Score system are:

•   300 to 579: Poor

•   580 to 669: Fair

•   670 to 739: Good

•   740 to 799: Very good

•   800 to 850: Excellent

As you see, 612 sits close to the middle of the fair range. When you look at the entire credit score scale, however, you’ll see that 612 is close to a bad credit score.

Borrowers with scores below 619 may be considered “subprime,” according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and lenders may consider them a high risk. This can lead to difficulty qualifying for new credit. You may need to show a strong and steady income, proof of employment, and minimal existing debt in this range.

While getting approved for unsecured credit with a 612 score can be difficult, but that doesn’t mean it is impossible.

What Else Can You Get With a 612 Credit Score?

A 612 credit score can limit your prospects, especially if you hope to qualify for credit products with low rates and fees. That said, it doesn’t completely preclude you from qualifying for credit. Here, take a closer look at credit products that may be an option with a 612 credit score.

Can I Get a Credit Card With a 612 Credit Score?

Getting a credit card with a 612 credit score is possible, but your options may be limited.

•   For instance, you may need a secured credit card. This card type generally requires putting down a deposit as your credit line. This allows you to build credit to qualify for an unsecured card later. However, it also means you must have the funds to cover your purchases in advance.

•   You might also have some unsecured credit card options with a 612 credit score, but they might have a high annual percentage rate (APR) or fees. That can make these cards expensive to use, which can hinder your attempts to build credit. In addition, cards of this type often lack rewards, such as the ability to earn cash back.

If you sign up for an unsecured credit card with a 612 credit score, check the interest rate and fees in advance. In addition, if the card has limited rewards, consider moving to a different card once you build your credit score.

Can I Get an Auto Loan With a 612 Credit Score?

Getting an auto loan with a 612 credit may be challenging, but it can often be done.

•   It may be slightly easier if you have what your lender deems a good income and you don’t have too much existing debt. However, the interest rate might be steep, since you are still considered risky. In addition, the lender may not give you particularly good terms on the loan.

•   If you aren’t happy with the lender’s interest rates or terms, you can use a secured credit card to build your credit before applying for an auto loan. If it can’t wait, consider adding a cosigner to your loan. However, remember that the cosigner bears full financial responsibility as well. If you struggle to make your payments on time, it’s not just your credit that may suffer — it may also hurt the cosigner’s credit. That, in turn, could impact the relationship between the two of you.

•   Another option might be to seek an auto loan designed for those with bad credit. Again, applying for this kind of loan likely means accepting less favorable rates and terms than someone with a higher credit score. This is why it’s crucial to build your credit score before applying, if possible.

•   If you don’t qualify for a good rate on your auto loan, one possibility is to come up with a larger down payment. This might be difficult for some borrowers, but it can increase your approval odds and reduce your monthly payment.

Can I Get a Mortgage With a 612 Credit Score?

Getting a mortgage with a 612 credit score is possible, but it may require some flexibility and creativity. As with other loan types, a 612 credit score will likely mean paying higher interest rates than someone with a higher score. This can significantly affect a mortgage, as a 1% difference in your interest rate can mean paying hundreds more per month.

However, prospective homeowners may have more options than those looking for financing to buy a car, even without excellent credit.

•   For instance, those with credit scores of 580 and up may qualify for an FHA loan with a 3.5% down payment.

•   If your credit score is between 500 and 579, you might qualify for an FHA loan with a 10% down payment. However, you also typically must have a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of less than 43%. This means your monthly debt payments must be less than 43% of your monthly gross income.

•   You might qualify for a USDA loan, depending on where your prospective home is located and other factors. While most lenders like to see a credit score of 620 or 640 or higher, you may qualify for funding from some sources.

•   If you have participated in the armed forces, you might qualify for a VA loan. This is another type of loan in which lenders typically want borrowers to have a credit score of at least 620, but you may still get approval.

Can I Get a Personal Loan With a 612 Credit Score?

Personal loans can be a popular way to obtain a lump sum of cash that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as paying off a major car repair bill or financing a wedding.

Getting a personal loan with a 612 score may be possible, as lenders may approve borrowers for personal loans with scores as low as 580. They will likely consider other factors, such as your income, payment history, and DTI. For instance, with a 612 credit score, your approval odds may increase if you have a high income or a low DTI.

You may also encounter subprime personal loan lenders who are more lenient with their credit score requirements, including those for income or DTI. However, these lenders are likely to charge higher interest rates and fees than others. Making on-time payments on any existing debts, lowering balances carried, minimizing hard credit inquiries, extending the length of your credit history, and other steps can help build your credit score and potentially qualify you for better rates and terms.

If you are carrying high credit card balances, you might see if you can obtain debt consolidation loans as you build your score into a higher range. This can roll multiple high-interest lines of credit into one installment loan, simplifying your financial life and likely assessing a lower interest rate.

As you consider your options, using a personal loan calculator can help you know how expensive your personal loan may ultimately be.

Recommended: What Is a Personal Loan?

The Takeaway

A 612 credit score falls into the fair range, meaning it’s lower than a good rating and below the U.S. average score of 717. However, you will likely still have opportunities to access credit, such as certain mortgages, probably at higher interest rates than those who have higher scores. You can also focus on building your score to qualify for more favorable rates and terms. As you do so, you might think about paying down some debts with a personal loan.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

By Kim Franke-Folstad

A 737 credit score is near the top of what is considered the good range using both FICO® and VantageScore credit scoring models. That three-digit number could make it easier for you to qualify for a credit card or loan with a favorable interest rate.

If you’ve been working hard to build or maintain your credit and you’re curious about where you stand as a potential borrower, read on for a look at what you can expect with a 737 credit score.

What Does a 737 Credit Score Mean?

Using the popular FICO scoring model, a good score is anywhere from 670 to 739.

FICO scores are organized into the following tiers:

•   Poor: 300-579

•   Fair: 580-669

•   Good: 670-739

•   Very good: 740-799

•   Excellent (or Exceptional): 800-850

The higher your score, the more likely you are to be offered the lowest-available interest rates and other perks — and that can save you money.

With a 737 FICO Score, you’re solidly in the good range and just a couple of points from the very good range, which is 740 to 799. (The excellent or exceptional range, which is 800-plus, may even be within reach.) As a point of comparison, the average credit score in the U.S. is currently 717, so you are ranking above that figure. Nice work!

What Else Can You Get With a 737 Credit Score?

When you’re trying to determine what a 737 score can get you as a borrower, it’s important to note that lenders have multiple scoring models to choose from, including some that are industry-specific (for auto loans, mortgages, etc.). And it’s up to each individual lender to decide how it will assess credit scores.

Lenders also generally look at other factors besides credit scores when assessing a borrower’s creditworthiness. If you have a low debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, solid employment, a good income, and cash in the bank or other assets, for example, a lender will typically take that into consideration when reviewing your loan or credit card application.

With that in mind, here’s what you may be able to expect with a 737 credit score.

Can I Get a Credit Card With a 737 Credit Score?

A 737 credit score should be high enough for you to be approved for an unsecured credit card with some rewards or other benefits. But you may not qualify for a luxury or premium card, the lowest annual percentage rate (APR) offered, the highest credit limit, or certain premium rewards or privileges. The closer your score is to 800 or higher, the more likely it is you’ll be eligible for the cards with the most valuable perks.

If you’re looking for a new credit card, it can be helpful to use a preapproval tool to compare various offers and find the best card for you. You also can get a good idea as to whether you’ll be approved for the card you want before you actually apply.

While you’re doing your research, you also may want to look for cards that come with free credit score monitoring and/or an app that makes it easy and convenient to track your spending and saving. These extras can be useful as you work to keep improving your credit.

One more note about credit cards: If you find your debt is higher than you’d like, you might consider a credit card consolidation loan, in which you replace high-interest credit card debts with a single installment loan, typically at a significantly lower interest rate.

Can I Get an Auto Loan With a 737 Credit Score?

The minimum credit score needed to get a car loan can vary from one lender to the next. And lenders may use an auto industry-specific scoring model that works a little differently than your basic credit score. But typically, if you have a credit score in the good range, you can qualify for an auto loan.

For car buyers, a 737 credit score falls into what’s called the prime loan range, which means they can expect to be offered an APR that’s at least one or two percentage points higher than what buyers with credit scores in the next highest range (super prime) are paying. This might motivate you to wait before financing a car so you can build your credit score into that range.

By the way, if you’re wondering if it makes more sense to buy a new or used car, there are pros and cons to each. It may seem counterintuitive, but it can be easier to get financing for a new car and a lower interest rate. (This is in part due to the predictable value of a new car vs. a used car presenting unknowns regarding how well it will run.) A used car is likely to have a lower price, though, and a shorter loan term. Which means you may pay less in interest over the life of the loan.

Can I Get a Mortgage With a 737 Credit Score?

Loan requirements, including minimum credit scores, can vary with different types of mortgages. And lenders may have their own credit score mortgage rate requirements as well. Here are some basics to consider:

•   If you’re applying for a conventional mortgage loan, you typically will need a credit score of at least 620 to be approved. With a 737 credit score, lenders may not offer you the best interest rates available, but you may find you’re within a percentage point or less of better-qualified homebuyers.

•   If you’re seeking a jumbo loan (with a principal of $806,500+ in most areas), you typically need at least a credit score of 700, so you are in good standing to seek approval.

•   Although the Department of Veterans Affairs doesn’t set a minimum credit score requirement for VA loan borrowers, lenders typically like to see at least a 620. And you may qualify for a lower interest rate with your 737 credit score.

•   Considering a government-insured FHA loan? Your 737 credit score can make you eligible for a lower down payment. Borrowers with a credit score as low as 500 can qualify, but with a credit score that’s 580 or higher, you can put down a minimum of 3.5%. If your credit score is between 500 and 579, your minimum down payment is 10%.

•   A minimum score of 640 is recommended for most government-backed USDA loans, although borrowers without a credit history may be evaluated through other criteria.

Though a 737 credit score should be high enough to qualify for any of these loan types, you may want to talk to a mortgage professional about how various costs might affect your monthly payments and which option might be right for you.

Can I Get a Personal Loan With a 737 Credit Score?

Unless lenders see some potential red flags when reviewing your application — maybe you haven’t had your job for very long or you don’t have much money in the bank — you should be able to qualify for unsecured personal loans with a 737 credit score.

Personal loans can be used for almost any legal purpose you can think of. For instance, you might fund a vacation with the money, use it to finance a wedding, pay for home renovations, or take care of a major dental bill.

A personal loan calculator can help you determine how much your monthly payments might be if you choose a personal loan. You can also calculate how much you could save by using a personal loan to pay off any existing high-interest debt that’s getting in the way of your goals.

Recommended: How to Apply for a Personal Loan

The Takeaway

A 737 credit score is generally considered to be in the good range, and it’s higher than the current average credit score of 717 in America. If you’re looking to take out a loan or get a new credit card, most lenders are likely to treat you as a creditworthy candidate. While you may not qualify for the very best rates and terms, you should have options to consider when accessing credit.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

By Kelly Boyer Sagert

(Last Updated – 01/2025)

Emory University is a four-year private research university located in Atlanta, Georgia. Degrees offered at the university range from bachelor’s to doctorates. Here’s what you need to know about the admission requirements, Emory acceptance rate, popular majors, Emory tuition, and much more.

Total Cost of Attendance

Emory University is known for its excellent college of liberal arts, humanities, and social science. It also has a prominent health care system with a well-regarded medical school. The university attracts significant funding that it channels into developing medical breakthroughs, including drug therapies.

Emory University tuition and room and board for 2023-24 was:

•  Emory tuition: $60,774, a 4.9% increase from the previous year

•  Books and supplies: $1,250, same as the previous year

•  On-campus/off-campus room and board: $18,972, an 11.5% increase from the previous year

•  Other fees: $2,626, a 1% increase from the previous year

•  Total: $83,622, a 6.1% increase from the previous year

Financial Aid

In 2022-23, 52% of first-time, full-time students received financial aid. More specifically:

•  Grant or scholarship aid: 46% of students received them with an average award of $50,828

•  Federal grants: 16% of students received them with an average award of $6,967

•  Pell grants: 16% of students received them with an average award of $5,954

•  Other federal grants: 8% of students received them with an average award of $2,000

•  State/local: 11% of students received them with an average award of $6,646

•  Institutional: 44% of students received them with an average award of $48,648

•  Student loan aid: 12% of students received them with an average award of $10,420

•  Federal student loans: 11% of students received them with an average award of $5,180

•  Other: 2% of students received them with an average award of $28,084

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

Recommended: Scholarship Search – College Scholarships Finder Tool

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, or nonprofit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that stat, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

In 2022-23, 2% of first-time students at Emory used private student loans.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

Based on 2023-24 numbers, four years at Emory University would cost $334,488, not accounting for price increases. The university did increase total expenses by 6.1% from the previous year.

Here’s some Georgia Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Emory University tuition and fees in 2023-24 was $60,774. The total cost of attendance was $83,622. In comparison, the average total cost of a four-year private university in 2023-24 was $60,420, making Emory 38% more costly.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

In 2023-24, Emory tuition for graduate students averaged $46,800, with $922 in fees, for a total of $47,722. In comparison, the average graduate student in the U.S. spends $21,730 each year on school.

Cost per Credit Hour

Part-time students can pay $2,642 per credit hour for the 2024-2025 term.

In summer school, for either online or on-campus courses, the cost is $1,981 per credit hour. Summer courses are either 3, 4, or 5 hours.

Campus Housing Expenses

On-campus room and board for 2023-24 cost $18,972, an 11.5% increase from the previous year. Additional fees come to $2,626, a 1% increase from the previous year. Incoming first-year housing applications for 2025-2026 open on April 1. Roommate matching and priority housing selections must be made by June 1. Housing assignments are released July 15.

In addition to a number of residence halls, additional on-campus housing options include sorority and fraternity houses, theme housing, and more.

The university offers resources for off-campus housing. These are are some sample rent starting costs:

•  Studio: $1,500+/mo

•  One-bedroom: $1,600+/mo

•  Two-bedroom: $1,870+/bedroom

Note that apartments may require a year round lease, not just for the academic year.

Emory University Acceptance Rate

In fall 2023, 31,929 students applied to the university, and the Emory acceptance rate was 11%.

Admission Requirements

Emory University looks for students who took challenging courses in high school, noting that low test scores (if a student chooses to submit them) can be overcome with high grades. Applicants should submit personal statements and essays, and share how they will contribute to the university and community. They may also submit recommendation letters from teachers in courses where they excelled – as well as in those where they faced and overcame challenges. Extracurricular activities can also be listed.

SAT and ACT Scores

Emory University is test optional through fall 2025. If you’re curious about test scores previously submitted, know this: In fall 2023, 42% of applicants submitted SAT scores and 19% of them submitted ACT scores. Of those, here are the 25th and 75th percentiles:

Popular Majors at Emory University

In 2022-23, 1,937 undergraduates completed their degrees in two dozen areas of studies. Popular majors include the following:

1. Business Administration

Undergraduates learn how to problem solve, embrace challenges, and become strong leaders. In the class of 2021, 96% of business administration graduates accepted a job within three months.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 422

2. Biology

Students in this major learn problem-solving, critical thinking, and quantitative skills to address biological questions. Biology majors partake in supervised laboratory experiences, seminars, directed study, and research.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 199

3. Neuroscience

This program is meant for those who want to understand the cognitive and physiological science behind human and animal behavior. Graduates go on to study medical school, physical therapy, molecular or cognitive neuroscience, and behavioral biology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 149

4. Registered Nursing

Students in Emory’s nursing program receive first-hand experience in the world of healthcare. They learn the leadership and health-related skills needed to provide outstanding patient care.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 140

5. Psychology

This major focuses on the scientific study of behavior, and the curriculum includes social, personality, clinical, neuroscience, animal behavior, cognitive, computational, and developmental psychology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 120

6. Economics

Economics majors learn economic theory and gain valuable experience through practice. Emory has 8 different concentrations in economics, including Law and Economics, Financial Economics, and Quantitative Methods and Data Analysis.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 72

7. Chemistry

This undergraduate curriculum, Chemistry Unbound, provides training in the major chemical disciplines. Advanced coursework, research, and study abroad opportunities prepare students for in-demand careers.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 71

8. Computer Science

Students study computer concepts and programming principles, participating in innovative research and gaining experience by applying what they learn to real-life situations. Recent graduates have even gone on to work at Google and Facebook.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 68

9. Statistics

This is a technically rigorous program that provides students with the foundation for statistical analysis as well as the tools and conceptual foundations for quantitative research and empirical quantitative work.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 64

10. Political Science

This major focuses on the processes by which community values are translated into public choices. As the most flexible degree program that Emory offers, students can choose to study any of the fields of political science.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 56

Graduation Rate

For students beginning in fall 2017, the graduate rate is 92%.

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Median earnings for Emory graduates is $80,000. This is 16.7% higher than the average for college graduates in the U.S. of $68,516.