For many Florida homebuyers, student loans remain one of the biggest hurdles to qualifying for a mortgage. The good news is that 2025 student loan mortgage guidelines give borrowers options, whether you’re applying for an FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac loan.

At North Star Mortgage Network, we know that understanding how lenders calculate student loan debt is the key to turning “not yet” into “approved.” Let’s break down what today’s rules mean for you — and how you can still buy a home in Florida while carrying student loans.

Why Student Loan Mortgage Guidelines Matter

Lenders must consider all of your recurring debts when calculating your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Student loan payments — even if deferred or set at $0 under an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan — can impact whether you qualify for a mortgage.

The way your student loans are treated depends on which loan program you’re applying for. Each agency (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, USDA) has different rules, which is why working with an experienced Florida mortgage broker is critical.

Student Loan Mortgage Guidelines by Program

Fannie Mae

  • If a monthly student loan payment shows on your credit report, that amount may be used.
  • If no payment is listed, lenders must use 1% of the loan balance or the fully amortized payment based on documentation (whichever is higher).
  • IDR payments are acceptable as long as they show on the credit report.

Freddie Mac

  • If a payment is listed, lenders can use that amount.
  • If no payment shows, they must use the higher of 0.5% of the balance or the actual documented payment.
  • IDR plans are acceptable, but documentation must match income used for qualifying.

FHA

  • If no payment is listed, FHA requires 0.5% of the balance or the actual documented payment (cannot be $0).
  • Income-based repayment plans showing $0 cannot be used — a payment must be calculated.
  • FHA is often stricter, but it’s a good option for borrowers with limited down payment funds.

VA (Veterans Affairs)

  • VA allows more flexibility. If loans are deferred at least 12 months from the closing date, they may be excluded.
  • Otherwise, lenders must use the greater of 5% of the balance divided by 12 or the actual payment.
  • For lower payments to count, VA requires documentation from the loan servicer.

USDA

  • If a payment isn’t listed, lenders must use the greater of 0.5% of the balance or the actual documented payment.
  • Loans in forgiveness or discharge programs must still be included unless fully released.

Example: Florida Borrower with $50,000 in Student Loans

Let’s say you’re a Jacksonville homebuyer with $50,000 in federal student loans and no monthly payment listed on your credit report:

  • Fannie Mae: $500/month must be used (1% of $50,000).
  • Freddie Mac: $250/month (0.5% of $50,000).
  • FHA: $250/month (0.5% of $50,000).
  • VA: $208/month (5% of $50,000 ÷ 12).
  • USDA: $250/month (0.5% of $50,000).

This example shows how your qualifying power can change dramatically depending on which program you choose.

Florida Borrowers: What This Means for You

Florida continues to be one of the fastest-growing housing markets in the country, and first-time buyers often carry student debt. With median home prices rising, knowing which mortgage program works best for your situation can make or break your approval.

  • Teachers, nurses, and public service workers in Florida may qualify for additional student loan forgiveness programs, but payments must still be calculated correctly.
  • Veterans and active duty service members benefit from the VA’s flexible rules, making VA loans the strongest choice when eligible.
  • First-time homebuyers in Florida can combine student loan mortgage guidelines with down payment assistance programs like Hometown Heroes, making homeownership more achievable.

How to Qualify for a Mortgage with Student Loans

  1. Check Your Credit Report: Make sure student loan balances and payments are reporting accurately.
  2. Gather Documentation: Statements from servicers showing repayment terms can help reduce qualifying payments.
  3. Explore All Programs: FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional — the right fit depends on your full financial picture.
  4. Work with a Florida Mortgage Broker: At North Star Mortgage Network, we compare guidelines across programs to maximize your approval odds.

Conversion Call-to-Action

Don’t let student loans stop you from buying a home in Florida. At North Star Mortgage Network, we’ve helped thousands of borrowers navigate student loan mortgage guidelines and secure competitive financing.

Call us today at 904-880-6741 or apply online at www.nsmn.com to see how much home you can afford.

Double-check your mortgage offer with us — 9 out of 10 times we can beat the competition in both rate and service.

Conclusion

Student loans don’t have to keep you from becoming a homeowner. With the right strategy — and the right loan program — Florida borrowers can qualify and close with confidence.

At North Star Mortgage Network, our motto says it all: Your best interest is my principal concern.

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