If you're a parent and you're thinking about taking out a student loan to help your child pay for college, you're not alone. In fact, according to the College Board, parents borrow an average of $30,000 to help their children pay for college.
There are a lot of different types of student loans available, and it can be confusing to know which one is right for you. That's why we've put together this guide to help you understand your options and make the best decision for your family.
In this guide, we'll cover the following topics:
The different types of student loans available to parents
The pros and cons of each type of loan
How to apply for a student loan
parents plus student loans
Parent PLUS loans are federal loans available to parents of undergraduate students.
- Federal loans for parents
- Borrow up to cost of attendance
- Fixed interest rates
- Repayment begins after grace period
- Parent is legally responsible for loan
Parents should carefully consider their financial situation before taking out a Parent PLUS loan.
Federal loans for parents
Federal loans for parents are a type of student loan that is available to parents of undergraduate students. These loans are made by the U.S. Department of Education and are available through the Federal Direct Student Loan Program.
- Eligibility:
To be eligible for a federal loan, the parent must be the biological or adoptive parent of a dependent undergraduate student who is enrolled at least half-time in a degree-granting program at an eligible school.
- Loan limits:
The amount that a parent can borrow is equal to the cost of attendance at the student's school, minus any other financial aid that the student is receiving. The cost of attendance includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other expenses.
- Interest rates:
The interest rate on federal loans for parents is fixed and is set by Congress. The current interest rate for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2022, is 6.28%.
- Repayment:
Repayment of a federal loan for parents begins six months after the student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment. The parent can choose to repay the loan over a period of 10, 15, or 20 years.
Federal loans for parents are a good option for parents who need to borrow money to help their child pay for college. These loans have relatively low interest rates and flexible repayment options. However, parents should carefully consider their financial situation before taking out a federal loan, as they are legally responsible for the loan and will be required to repay it even if the student does not complete their degree.
Borrow up to cost of attendance
When you take out a Parent PLUS loan, you can borrow up to the cost of attendance at your child's school, minus any other financial aid that your child is receiving.
- Cost of attendance:
The cost of attendance (COA) is a figure that is determined by the school and includes the following expenses:
- Tuition and fees
- Room and board
- Books and supplies
- Transportation
- Other expenses (e.g., child care, disability services)
- Financial aid:
Financial aid is any type of money that helps pay for college, such as scholarships, grants, and work-study. If your child is receiving financial aid, the amount of your Parent PLUS loan will be reduced by the amount of financial aid that your child is receiving.
- Loan limits:
The maximum amount that you can borrow with a Parent PLUS loan is the COA minus any other financial aid that your child is receiving. There is no aggregate loan limit for Parent PLUS loans, but you cannot borrow more than the COA for each year of your child's education.
- Using the loan proceeds:
The proceeds of your Parent PLUS loan will be sent to your child's school. The school will then use the proceeds to pay for your child's educational expenses. Any remaining funds will be refunded to your child.
Parent PLUS loans are a good option for parents who need to borrow money to cover the full cost of their child's education. However, parents should carefully consider their financial situation before taking out a Parent PLUS loan, as they are legally responsible for the loan and will be required to repay it even if the student does not complete their degree.
Fixed interest rates
Federal Parent PLUS loans have fixed interest rates, which means that the interest rate on your loan will not change over the life of the loan. This can be a good thing, especially if interest rates are rising. However, if interest rates fall, you will not be able to take advantage of the lower rates.
The current interest rate for Parent PLUS loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2022, is 6.28%. This rate is fixed for the life of the loan.
In addition to the fixed interest rate, there is also an origination fee for Parent PLUS loans. The origination fee is a one-time fee that is charged when the loan is disbursed. The origination fee for Parent PLUS loans is 4.228%.
Here is an example of how the fixed interest rate works on a Parent PLUS loan:
- Loan amount: $10,000
- Interest rate: 6.28%
- Loan term: 10 years
The total amount of interest that you will pay over the life of the loan is $3,278. This amount is fixed and will not change, even if interest rates rise.
Fixed interest rates can be a good option for borrowers who want to know exactly how much they will pay in interest over the life of their loan. However, borrowers should also consider the current interest rate environment when making a decision about whether to take out a Parent PLUS loan.
Repayment begins after grace period
Repayment of a Parent PLUS loan begins six months after the student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment. This is known as the grace period. During the grace period, you are not required to make any payments on your loan. However, interest will continue to accrue during the grace period.
- Grace period:
The grace period for Parent PLUS loans is six months. This means that you have six months after the student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment to find a job and start making payments on your loan.
- Interest during the grace period:
Interest continues to accrue on your loan during the grace period. This means that the amount of money that you owe on your loan will increase during the grace period, even if you are not making any payments.
- Repayment options:
Once the grace period ends, you will have several repayment options available to you. You can choose to repay your loan over a period of 10, 15, or 20 years. You can also choose to make extra payments on your loan to pay it off faster.
- Deferment and forbearance:
If you are having difficulty making your loan payments, you may be eligible for deferment or forbearance. Deferment allows you to postpone making payments on your loan for a period of time, while forbearance allows you to temporarily reduce your monthly payments.
It is important to make your loan payments on time and in full each month. If you miss a payment, you may be charged a late fee and your credit score may be damaged. If you are having difficulty making your payments, you should contact your loan servicer immediately to discuss your options.
Parent is legally responsible for loan
When you take out a Parent PLUS loan, you are legally responsible for the loan. This means that you are responsible for repaying the loan, even if the student does not complete their degree or if they default on the loan.
- Legal obligation:
By signing the Parent PLUS loan application, you are agreeing to be legally responsible for the loan. This means that you are responsible for repaying the loan, even if the student does not complete their degree or if they default on the loan.
- Impact on credit score:
If you miss payments on your Parent PLUS loan, your credit score will be damaged. This can make it difficult to get approved for other loans, such as a mortgage or a car loan.
- Collection actions:
If you default on your Parent PLUS loan, the government may take collection actions against you. This could include wage garnishment, tax refund offset, and seizure of your assets.
- Repayment options:
If you are having difficulty making your Parent PLUS loan payments, you may be eligible for deferment or forbearance. Deferment allows you to postpone making payments on your loan for a period of time, while forbearance allows you to temporarily reduce your monthly payments.
It is important to understand the legal obligations of taking out a Parent PLUS loan before you sign the loan application. If you are not sure whether you can afford to repay the loan, you should talk to a financial advisor or your loan servicer.
FAQ
If you're a parent considering taking out a Parent PLUS loan, you may have some questions. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you understand how Parent PLUS loans work:
Question 1: What is a Parent PLUS loan?
Answer 1: A Parent PLUS loan is a federal loan that is available to parents of undergraduate students. The loan is used to help pay for the student's educational expenses, such as tuition, fees, room and board, and books.
Question 2: Who is eligible for a Parent PLUS loan?
Answer 2: To be eligible for a Parent PLUS loan, you must be the biological or adoptive parent of a dependent undergraduate student who is enrolled at least half-time in a degree-granting program at an eligible school. You must also have good credit and be able to pass a credit check.
Question 3: How much can I borrow with a Parent PLUS loan?
Answer 3: The maximum amount that you can borrow with a Parent PLUS loan is the cost of attendance at your child's school, minus any other financial aid that your child is receiving.
Question 4: What are the interest rates on Parent PLUS loans?
Answer 4: The interest rates on Parent PLUS loans are fixed and are set by Congress. The current interest rate for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2022, is 6.28%.
Question 5: How do I repay a Parent PLUS loan?
Answer 5: Repayment of a Parent PLUS loan begins six months after the student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment. You can choose to repay the loan over a period of 10, 15, or 20 years.
Question 6: What happens if I can't repay my Parent PLUS loan?
Answer 6: If you are having difficulty making your Parent PLUS loan payments, you may be eligible for deferment or forbearance. Deferment allows you to postpone making payments on your loan for a period of time, while forbearance allows you to temporarily reduce your monthly payments.
If you have any other questions about Parent PLUS loans, you should contact your loan servicer or the U.S. Department of Education.
Now that you know more about Parent PLUS loans, you can start to decide if this type of loan is right for you. Be sure to carefully consider your financial situation before taking out a Parent PLUS loan, as you are legally responsible for the loan and will be required to repay it even if the student does not complete their degree.
Tips
If you're a parent considering taking out a Parent PLUS loan, here are four tips to help you make the best decision for your family:
Tip 1: Carefully consider your financial situation.
Before you take out a Parent PLUS loan, you should carefully consider your financial situation. Make sure that you can afford to make the monthly payments on the loan, even if the student does not complete their degree or if they default on the loan.
Tip 2: Shop around for the best interest rate.
You can shop around for the best interest rate on a Parent PLUS loan by comparing rates from different lenders. You can also consider getting a cosigner on the loan, which can help you get a lower interest rate.
Tip 3: Make sure you understand the repayment terms.
Before you sign the Parent PLUS loan application, make sure you understand the repayment terms. This includes the interest rate, the monthly payment amount, and the length of the repayment period.
Tip 4: Be prepared to make payments on time.
It is important to make your Parent PLUS loan payments on time and in full each month. If you miss a payment, you may be charged a late fee and your credit score may be damaged.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that you are making the best decision about taking out a Parent PLUS loan.
Taking out a Parent PLUS loan is a big decision. By carefully considering your financial situation, shopping around for the best interest rate, understanding the repayment terms, and being prepared to make payments on time, you can help ensure that you are making the best decision for your family.
Conclusion
Taking out a Parent PLUS loan is a big decision. It is important to carefully consider your financial situation, shop around for the best interest rate, understand the repayment terms, and be prepared to make payments on time.
If you can afford to make the monthly payments and you are comfortable with the risks involved, then a Parent PLUS loan may be a good option for you. However, if you are not sure whether you can afford the loan or if you are not comfortable with the risks, then you should consider other options for paying for your child's education.
Remember, you are not alone in this process. There are many resources available to help you make the best decision for your family. You can talk to your child's financial aid office, a financial advisor, or your loan servicer. You can also find information online from the U.S. Department of Education and other reputable sources.
With careful planning and consideration, you can help your child get the education they need without taking on too much debt.