What is the average credit score of a college student

I’m currently a college student, and I’ve recently started paying more attention to my credit score but honestly, I have no idea what’s considered “normal” or “average” for someone my age and situation.

I just got access to my credit score for the first time and I’m not sure if it’s decent, low, or totally fine for a student who hasn’t had credit very long. I only have one credit card with a pretty low limit, and I’ve been trying to be responsible with it (making payments on time, keeping my balance low, etc.).

So I guess my questions are:
  • What’s a realistic credit score range for a student or someone with limited credit history?
  • Is it normal to start with a lower score and build it up slowly?
  • What kinds of things should I be doing now to help build good credit habits for the long run?
 
Totally normal to have a score in the 650 to 700 range as a college student. Mine was 672 when i was 20 and just had one card too. As long as you’re paying on time and keeping utilization low, you’re doing great. Don’t stress the number too much..consistency is king.
 
my credit score was 580 at 19 because i maxed out a store card for a PS4 and forgot about it. I cried when i saw my score. It’s at 720 now though, so yeah don’t panic. Time and good habits fix a lot.
 
Think of your credit score like your GPA .....except it takes longer to fix and there’s no curve
It’s totally normal for students to start in the 600s. You’re already ahead if you’re paying attention this early.
 
Mine was like 630 when I got my first credit card.
The best thing I ever did was set up autopay.
Missed payments are like nuclear bombs to your score.
Don’t miss ‘em and don’t max out. Easy rules.
 
Building credit is a slow game. You won’t see huge jumps fast unless you do something drastic like get a big loan or become an authorized user on a long-standing account. That said your habits sound solid. Keep going.
 
I didn’t even know i had a credit score until I got denied for an apartment at 22
If you're already checking your score you’re way ahead of where i was.
 
The average score doesn’t mean much when you’re young. Most college students don’t have enough history to generate a good average. Focus on the basics... pay on time, don’t carry a balance, maybe open a second account after a year.
 
Bro i’m 21 with a score of 684 and no loans yet. It moves like a glacier until you’ve got years under your belt. You’re doing the right things trust the process.
 
FICO scores typically start around 670–700 if you’ve been responsible for 6–12 months. That’s assuming no negatives. Most college students fall between 630–680 from what I’ve seen. You’ll build it up with time.
 
I literally tanked my credit buying pizza and not paying off a $200 card.
College me was dumb.
If you’re making payments and thinking about this stuff, you’re already doing better than 75% of your peers.
 
Yep i started at 645 and now I’m at 765 after 5 years.
No secret sauce just keep that utilization under 10%, never miss a payment, and maybe get a secured loan later to add variety.
 
I’m skeptical about these averages. I’ve seen people say students have 720+ but that feels inflated. Maybe if you’re an AU or have loans with good history. Most students i know are in the 600s tbh.
 
My first score was 667 at 19 and I thought i was crushing it
Turns out that’s like...C+ credit. But hey you’re learning keep using it responsibly and you’ll be golden in a few years.
 
Good habits = good credit. that’s really it
no hacks, no tricks. Use less than 30% of your limit, always pay on time, and give it time
scores are more about age and behavior than magic formulas.
 
Be careful with store cards. They seem like a good way to build credit but can mess you up with high interest and low limits. Stick with one good card until you’ve got 12 months of good history.
 
set up text alerts for your card. I almost missed a payment once because i thought I’d already done it. Automation helps a ton when you’re swamped with classes and stress.
 
I used to think paying my balance in full would hurt my score because i wasn’t showing usage. Nope! It helps! The lower the balance, the better. Credit scoring is weird sometimes.
 
Mid-600s is pretty average for a new credit profile
u might see it fluctuate for no obvious reason.....don’t panic. try to keep your utilization under 10% if possible for a better score boost
 
Back
Top