Writing for Cash - How to make a full time income as a writer. Enter The Contest
Read & Rate Entries
View Past Winners
Get A Book Published
Free Typing Test
Writing Resources
Free Articles
Search This Site

Home | Contest | Write A Book | Write Ebooks For Cash | Be A Travel Writer | Write Children's Books
Write For Newspapers | Write An Ezine | Write A Blog | Writing Skills & Tips | Novel Writing Software

Please take a moment to bookmark this page and join our free hot tips list.

Parent Loans or Student Loans – what is going to be best for my child?

By: Vanessa McHooley


At least 20% of college students need some type of loan to help pay for their college education. Such a statistic can lead to students graduating with an unmanageable debt load. An alternative is for parents to help out by taking out loans themselves. But which is the better option – student loans or parent loans? Each has distinct advantages and uses.

Federal student loans

Federal student loans have the lowest interest rates and best repayment options. If you need to take out loans and you qualify for federal loans, this is your best choice. Just be sure to accept only the funds you need, even if you are offered much more. Parents can always help their children pay off these loans once repayment begins after graduation.

Federal parent loans

PLUS Loans (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) are another loan option that comes with low interest rates. If you are a parent with dependent students attending college at least part-time and you have a good credit history, you are eligible to receive a PLUS Loan. These loans are not needs-based. You can borrow up to the total cost of undergraduate education expenses, minus other financial aid already received. Unlike federal student loans, payment is not deferred until after graduation; instead, your first loan payment will be due about 60 days after the loan is disbursed. Also unlike federal student loans, PLUS Loans require an application fee.

Private loans

Both students and parents can take out private loans to cover funding gaps. Terms are basically the same for these loans, although students may be able to have their repayment deferred until after graduation. Another consideration is that students may wish to take out small loans to begin to establish a credit history. You may need to cosign for private student loans.

Other options

Parents do have some additional options for college funding, such as home equity loans. These often have rates as good as private loans.

So which type of loan should I get?

This really comes down to a personal decision. Ask yourself these questions as you are trying to decide:

  • What level of debt do you feel is manageable for your child to graduate with?

  • How important is it to you that your child takes responsibility for paying student loans?

  • Will you and your child work out a repayment plan to repay PLUS Loans and other parent loans?

This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more about Parent Loans or Student Loans at http://www.NextStudent.com.




Vanessa McHooley
My goal is to help every student succeed - education is one of hte most important things a person can have, so I have made it my personal mission to help every student pay for their education. Aside from that, I am just a pretty average girl from SD.


Join Our Free Tips Club

The internet and new technology are continuing to change the face of the publishing industry. Will you ride the wave or get pummelled by it? Let us help you make money as a writer by giving you hot tips when new trends arrive.
We will never sell, rent, or give away your email address.

Join today and get 5 FREE EBOOKS! These ebooks are written by some of the hottest online gurus, and uncover many secrets about how you can make money right now by writing from home. Learn how to turn your computer into a cash machine by implementing the online writing techniques revealed by these masters!

5 ways to create PDF ebooks 14-point web copy analysis copywriting and ebooks use simple surveys to create best sellers the secret to winning

A $475.00 Value for FREE when you join today!

Home | Contest | Write A Book | Write Ebooks For Cash | Be A Travel Writer | Write Children's Books
Write For Newspapers | Write An Ezine | Write A Blog | Writing Skills & Tips | Novel Writing Software

© Copyright 2005 WritingCash.com All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use | Privacy | Web Links