CTN and TS Clearance
 

I went to MEPS about 2 weeks ago and scored an 89 AFQT score and my individual scores were more than enough to qualify for CTN; however, I have 4 years of college behind me with an unfinished bachelor's. Unfortunately I was denied TS clearance due to my outstanding college loans.

The rest of my background is completely clean. I have had issues with making ends meet to repay my student loans in a timely manner and have applied deferment many times.

If the loans get paid off before shipping will they pass the TS clearance? Are they looking at total debt or credit score as a factor?

I understand that outstanding debt is a high risk because it is assumed you can be bought or bribed.

Thanks for your time.

Honestly, the loans themselves are probably not the problem. I have loans, and I never had a problem with meeting the TS requirements. I know lots of other people in CT rates with loans too.

The issue is probably If you're documented as being fiscally irresponsible, that's a red flag. Doesn't matter whether you currently have loans or not, you have a history, so it's more likely you'll get in debt again. Improving your credit score might help.

If you want it bad enough, submit a package to cross-rate after 2 years. Different doors open after time in service.

I inquired about CTI in regard to my non-citizenship. The above was in general the response I got from the classifier.

Cross rating after 2 years is very slim to none.