Student loans don't really affect your credit score the same way other loans do because they are government-issued. True or false?

Student loans — both federal and private — are reported to the credit bureaus and factor into your credit score the same way any installment loan would. They contribute to your payment history (the largest factor in your score), your total debt load, and your credit mix. Missing student loan payments or defaulting has severe consequences for your credit score. Federal student loans in default can also result in wage garnishment and tax refund seizure, making them particularly important to manage carefully.