Written By
Courtney Johnson
Digital Content Specialist,
Grand Canyon Education
Learn practical tips to start building credit as a college student. From opening your first credit card to making on-time payments and managing debt wisely, discover how to set a strong financial foundation for your future.
Speak with a University Counselor today.
Approved and verified accurate by the Assistant Vice President of GCU Marketing on Nov. 14, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
Credit is a term that represents your ability to borrow and repay money. It also reflects how responsibly you’ve managed these finances in the past. These traits are represented by one’s credit score; essentially, a number that predicts one's likelihood of repaying borrowed money. Lenders, landlords and possibly employers may use your credit score to evaluate financial risk.1
A strong credit history can have a significant impact on various aspects of your life. For example, if you plan to rent your first apartment, landlords may check your credit to see if you’re likely to pay rent on time. The same goes for other loans, credit cards and even some job applications, such as those related to finance or management roles. Credit isn’t just about borrowing money; it’s a key part of establishing financial independence and demonstrating strong, healthy habits.
For many students, entering college may be one of their first experiences of true independence. With this comes the responsibility of understanding important aspects of being an independent adult; understanding credit is part of that. Building credit may not be top-of-mind as you work through your undergraduate degree, explore campus and establish new relationships; however, establishing healthy financial habits in college can help set you up to be a responsible, independent professional later in life.
Control Your Financial Future
Take the next step toward mastering your credit with a finance and economics degree from GCU.
Building credit as a college student doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. There are methods and money management tips you can start using today to establish a strong financial foundation. The following are practical strategies to start building credit safely, along with credit card advice for college students:
By following these strategies, you can steadily grow your credit history while maintaining control over your financial habits.
Credit can be a powerful financial tool, but only when used responsibly. It’s important to avoid treating credit cards as extra spending money; instead, view them as a way to demonstrate responsibility and build your financial profile. Consistent and responsible use of credit helps you build a strong credit history, which can lead to lower interest rates on loans, better rental opportunities and even improved job prospects if a credit check is required.3
It’s also important to monitor your spending and adjust your habits as needed. Setting up automatic payments, tracking your purchases and reviewing your statements regularly can help you stay on top of your accounts. By practicing these habits in college, you’re preparing yourself for a financially flexible and independent future, giving you more control over your life choices and opportunities after graduation.
Your credit score is a number that represents your “creditworthiness,” and will likely fall in the range of 300 to 850, with the higher number being the most optimal score. For most lenders, a good credit score for college students would typically fall between 670 and 739. The higher your score, the more likely you are to qualify for loans or credit with favorable interest rates.2
Credit scores are calculated based on several factors:2
Common pitfalls that students often encounter include missing payments, overspending or ignoring monthly statements. Even small mistakes can have long-term consequences, so it’s crucial to stay aware of your financial behavior.
Understanding credit and money management is part of preparing for your future career and overall financial health. GCU’s Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics can help equip you with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions, further strengthening your financial literacy and supporting long-term stability. Take control of your financial journey as a student at GCU.
Building credit while in college can give you a strong jump start on long-term financial health. It can also help you establish positive habits, such as paying bills on time, monitoring statements and managing debt responsibly.
The long-term benefits of early credit-building can be substantial. A strong credit foundation can lead to lower interest rates on loans, better rental options and easier credit approval in the future.3 It may also benefit you with other expenses that can occur after college and throughout life, such as expenses related to moving, buying a new car or exploring other advanced educational opportunities.
