For most college-bound families, student loans are part of the picture when paying for college. Nearly 7 in 10 students graduate with some form of student loan debt. The reality is the cost is just too high. In other words, they have a gap, and loans may be the only way to fill it.
Determine Your Costs First!
First, know the total cost for all four years down to the penny. You can’t plan without seeing the whole picture. With the total amount calculated, consider if your assets, scholarships, grants, cash flow, and tax credits can cover that number. If not, you have a gap.
Federal vs Private Loans
So, how do you bridge that gap? Federal loans need to be your first stop shop when filling your funding gap. We like to refer to federal loans as “use it or lose it” loans. Loan amounts are capped each year, so don’t wait to take advantage of them. We like to suggest that private loans are the last option for families. Families run into trouble later when they take excessive private loans.
Finally, federal student loans offer repayment and forgiveness plans that private lenders may not offer. Federal loan forgiveness for teachers, public service, etc. is sometimes talked about for private loans, but we doubt it will ever happen. Repayment plans, a benefit of federal loans, let you make payments based on your income.
Co-signer Considerations
Private loans rely on the credit record of the co-signer. Interest rates will vary based on their credit rating. Students have no track record of handling debt, and their ability to pay is an unknown to the bank, so a co-signer is key. Parents with bankruptcies or other credit problems in their past will face difficulty getting a loan. Even Parent PLUS loans are subject to creditworthiness considerations.
Are loans transferable to others?
Parents mistakenly believe that Parent PLUS loans in their names can be transferred to their student after graduation. Parents cannot transfer their PLUS loans. Mom and dad continue to be responsible for that loan themselves after their student has graduated.
Similarly, co-signer parents or grandparents on private loans will remain on those loans until their graduate establishes good credit at some point later in their work experience.
On the flip side, federal loans (non PLUS) are issued in the student’s name. They help your student build a good credit record. If the student passes away, the federal loan (incl. PLUS) is discharged. Private loans, on the other hand, typically remain the responsibility of the co-signer.
Knowing the downsides, how do you get a private loan?
The first step is always to contact the financial aid office of the college your student is planning to attend. They may have a list of preferred lenders to recommend. They may not always be the best option for the consumer, but they are a good place to start. The lender is up to you. You do not need to stick with the college’s list.
Compare products when making your choice!
Consider the following variables when deciding on a lender:
Interest rates (fixed vs. variable)
The total cost of the loan (including fees)
Repayment terms (if available)
Credit requirements
Academic progress requirements
Lender reputation
Customer service
In Conclusion
You probably have a gap between what you have and what you want to spend, but through careful college selection and the proper knowledge of how to pay for college with loans, your student can leave college with a manageable amount of debt.
Our rule of thumb is you should never take out more in total debt for your education than you anticipate making your first year out of college in your chosen career. If you want help planning your college costs and creating a smart lending strategy, schedule a call with our team today!
AUTHOR
Mike Bink, AAMS®, CCFS®
Mike works with families to simplify the college funding process and is widely recognized as an expert in college planning. He is passionate about empowering families to become informed consumers of higher education so that they don't pay a penny more for college than they absolutely have to.