Borrowing student loans is a common practice to afford educational expenses. That said, deciding which option is best can be a difficult decision to make. In the debate of student loan vs. parent loan, here’s what you should consider.
What to Consider Before Pursuing Loans
Before considering any loan, maximize all available financial aid. This includes scholarships, grants, and work-study. Both scholarships and grants are free aid, which means you won’t have to pay it back down the line. Work-study, on the other hand, is earned aid, meaning your child will have to work to receive the funds.
Only after exhausting all free and earned aid options should you consider borrowed money. When you do get to the point of considering loans, consider both a student loan and parent loan to determine which is better for you.
Student Loan vs. Parent Loan: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between a student loan and a parent loan is who borrows the loan. A student loan is borrowed by a student, while a parent loan is borrowed by a parent.
While parents can cosign a student loan, the student remains the primary borrower. This distinction determines who is ultimately responsible for the loan, at least on paper. Plus, for whoever’s name is on the loan, their credit score and history will be affected.
With that in mind, there are three main ways you can go about borrowing a loan:
>> MORE: Will my credit score drop after paying a student loan?
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Loan Options As a Parent
(Option 1) Student Borrows the Loan By Themselves
Pros
Your student opens their (possibly) first line of credit and begins to build their credit score and history.- Your student becomes financially responsible and builds financial skills necessary in the real world.
Cons
Your student could potentially receive unfavorable loan terms because they do not have a strong credit history (or a credit history at all), or they may not qualify for the loan at all.- Your student takes on new outstanding debt, which could impact their credit score and chances of being able to buy a house or open new significant lines of credit in the future.
What is the Best Student Loan Option for my Child?
If your child decides to borrow a student loan, consider federal loan options first. Experts recommend maximizing federal aid options before pursuing private options due to federal benefits like flexible repayment options, potential loan forgiveness, and strong borrower protections.
Additionally, federal student loans tend to have lower interest rates than private student loans and don’t require credit checks for students. This often makes federal student loans more affordable and accessible than private student loans.
While private loans are a good option, federal options should be pursued first.
(Option Two) Student Borrows the Loan and You Cosign
Pros
- Your student receives better loan terms because you, a creditworthy borrower, have cosigned the loan.
- Your student begins to build their credit score and history.
- Your student becomes financially responsible and builds the financial skills necessary in the real world.
Cons
- Cosigning a loan can increase your debt-to-income ratio, reducing your chances of opening new lines of credit.
- Any late or missed payments will negatively impact your credit history and the student’s credit history.
Should I Cosign for My Student’s Private Loan?
You should only cosign your child’s private loan if you are in a financial place to do so. As a cosigner, you are equally responsible for the loan. So, in the event that your child fails to make a payment, you’ll need to be able to make it.
Before you cosign your student’s private loan, be sure to read the fine print of the loan terms. Consider the following questions: Are there cosigner release terms? What will happen to the loan if you go bankrupt or default on it?
>> MORE: Does cosigning a student loan affect my credit score?
(Option Three) You Borrow a Parent Loan
Pros
- You receive more favorable loan terms because you have a stronger credit score and history than your student.
- You protect your student’s credit history from having outstanding amounts of debt, which can help them when applying to open lines of credit in the future.
Cons
- Your student is not building their credit score and history from managing outstanding debt.
- You are 100% responsible for paying the student loan debt (on paper).
What Parent Loan Options Do I Have?
As a parent borrower, you have two loan options:
Federal Parent PLUS Loan
The federal Parent PLUS loan is designed for parent borrowers. While a credit check is required to be eligible, you can add an endorser if necessary.
If you are a creditworthy borrower, you may find that the interest rate for the Parent PLUS loan is higher than what you qualify for with a private lender. In that case, a Parent PLUS loan may not be the better loan option.
>> MORE: Everything you need to know about a Parent PLUS loan
Private Loan
Private loans are offered by private companies like banks and credit unions. To qualify for a private loan, you will need a relatively strong credit score and history. Depending on your qualifications as a borrower, you may receive competitive loan terms.
>> MORE: Best college loan rates for parents
Is It Better to Get a Student Loan or a Parent Loan?
Between student loans and parent loans, the option ultimately depends on your family’s financial situation and what works best for you and your student. Therefore, it is important to explore your loan options to find the best one on the market.
The most important thing about this process is making sure that looking for a loan is a collaborative process between you and your child. You will want to reinforce the importance of student borrowing and the responsibility that comes with loans from the onset so that your child learns important financial skills that will last them a lifetime.
Student loan rates from our partners
Ascent
Ascent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills, or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations; and terms and conditions may apply. For Ascent Terms and Conditions please visit: www.AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Rates are effective as of 12/1/2024 and reflect an automatic payment discount of either 0.25% (for credit-based loans) OR 1.00% (for undergraduate outcomes-based loans). Automatic Payment Discount is available if the borrower is enrolled in automatic payments from their personal checking account and the amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. For Ascent rates and repayment examples please visit: AscentFunding.com/Rates. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. Cosigned Credit-Based Loan student must meet certain minimum credit criteria. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your cosigner. Lowest rates require full
principal and interest payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the repayment examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins.
Ascent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills, or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations; and terms and conditions may apply. For Ascent Terms and Conditions please visit: www.AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Rates are effective as of 12/1/2024 and reflect an automatic payment discount of either 0.25% (for credit-based loans) OR 1.00% (for undergraduate outcomes-based loans). Automatic Payment Discount is available if the borrower is enrolled in automatic payments from their personal checking account and the amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. For Ascent rates and repayment examples please visit: AscentFunding.com/Rates. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. Cosigned Credit-Based Loan student must meet certain minimum credit criteria. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your cosigner. Lowest rates require full
principal and interest payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the repayment examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins.
LendKey
1 – Terms and Conditions Apply
Loan products, terms, and benefits may be modified or discontinued by participating lenders at any time without notice. Rates displayed are reserved for the most creditworthy consumers who enroll to make automatic monthly payments. Your initial rate will be determined after a review of your application and credit profile. Variable rates may increase after consummation. You must be either a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident in an eligible state and from an eligible school, and meet the lender’s credit and income requirements to qualify for a loan. Certain membership requirements (including the opening of a share account, a minimum share account deposit, and the payment of any applicable association fees in connection with membership) may apply in the event that an applicant wishes to apply with, and accept a loan offered from, a credit union lender. If you are not a member of the credit union lender, you may apply and become a member during the loan application process if you meet the lender’s eligibility criteria. Applying with a creditworthy cosigner may result in a better chance of loan approval and/or lower interest rate. Loans for exam preparation classes, including, but not limited to, loans for LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, and GRE preparation, are not available via LendKey.com.
2 – Cosigner Release
Some lenders participating on LendKey.com may offer the benefit of cosigner release. Cosigner release is subject to lender approval. In order to qualify, the borrower, alone, must meet the following requirements: (1) Make the required number of consecutive, on-time full principal and interest payments as indicated in the borrower’s credit agreement during the repayment period (excluding interest-only payments) immediately prior to the request. Any period of forbearance will reset the repayment clock; (2) The account cannot be in delinquent status; (3) The borrower must provide proof of income indicating that he/she meets the income requirements and pass a credit review demonstrating that he/she has a satisfactory credit history and the ability to assume full responsibility of loan repayment; (4) No bankruptcies or foreclosures in the last sixty months; and (5) No loan defaults.
3 – Autopay Rate Reduction
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments.
4 – AutoPay Discount & Lowest Interest Rate
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments. The lowest advertised APR is only available for loan terms of 10 years and is reserved for the highest qualified applicants, taking into consideration the applicant’s credit and other factors.
1 – Terms and Conditions Apply
Loan products, terms, and benefits may be modified or discontinued by participating lenders at any time without notice. Rates displayed are reserved for the most creditworthy consumers who enroll to make automatic monthly payments. Your initial rate will be determined after a review of your application and credit profile. Variable rates may increase after consummation. You must be either a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident in an eligible state and from an eligible school, and meet the lender’s credit and income requirements to qualify for a loan. Certain membership requirements (including the opening of a share account, a minimum share account deposit, and the payment of any applicable association fees in connection with membership) may apply in the event that an applicant wishes to apply with, and accept a loan offered from, a credit union lender. If you are not a member of the credit union lender, you may apply and become a member during the loan application process if you meet the lender’s eligibility criteria. Applying with a creditworthy cosigner may result in a better chance of loan approval and/or lower interest rate. Loans for exam preparation classes, including, but not limited to, loans for LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, and GRE preparation, are not available via LendKey.com.
2 – Cosigner Release
Some lenders participating on LendKey.com may offer the benefit of cosigner release. Cosigner release is subject to lender approval. In order to qualify, the borrower, alone, must meet the following requirements: (1) Make the required number of consecutive, on-time full principal and interest payments as indicated in the borrower’s credit agreement during the repayment period (excluding interest-only payments) immediately prior to the request. Any period of forbearance will reset the repayment clock; (2) The account cannot be in delinquent status; (3) The borrower must provide proof of income indicating that he/she meets the income requirements and pass a credit review demonstrating that he/she has a satisfactory credit history and the ability to assume full responsibility of loan repayment; (4) No bankruptcies or foreclosures in the last sixty months; and (5) No loan defaults.
3 – Autopay Rate Reduction
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments.
4 – AutoPay Discount & Lowest Interest Rate
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments. The lowest advertised APR is only available for loan terms of 10 years and is reserved for the highest qualified applicants, taking into consideration the applicant’s credit and other factors.
Earnest
Student Loan Origination (Private Student Loan) Interest Rate Disclosure:
Student Loan Origination (Private Student Loan) Interest Rate Disclosure:
College Ave
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
(1) All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
(2) As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
(3) This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
Information advertised valid as of 12/2/2024. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
(1) All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
(2) As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
(3) This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
Information advertised valid as of 12/2/2024. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
Closing Thoughts From the Nest
While comparing a student vs a parent loans may be a tedious process, it is an important decision that will affect either you or your child’s finances for the foreseeable future. Perform due diligence and use the situation as a learning opportunity for your child.
If you are looking for private student loans, consider exploring your options with Sparrow. If you submit a free form with Sparrow, you can compare what private loans you qualify for across 15+ different lenders.