Yes, I'm pretty sure it's because of the income and the fact that you applied to 2 other places. I have to disagree with the person who said that it doesn't affect your credit score. It does. Every time you apply it puts a hard inquiry on your report. It doesn't matter that you don't have any open accounts. I suggest that you ask someone with really great credit to add you as an authorized user. Continually pulling your credit report and getting denied is going to make it even harder for you to get approved. Also, I suggest that you call Discover and ask for a recon. If you didn't apply for the student card then tell them that you qualify for the student card. Ask them if you can use household income as well. If they say yes then give them a ballpark number because truthfully they don't care if you give them the exact amount as long as you don't inflate the number excessively.