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A brief overview of college loans for parents
Finance

A brief overview of college loans for parents

Apart from student loans, there are loans for parents who want to help their children get through college. Known as the Parent PLUS loan, parents of dependent undergraduate students can avail of this. There is a fixed interest rate on the same and it has flexible repayment terms. It is important that parents have a good credit history in order to be eligible for such a loan.

Before taking a Parent PLUS loan, it is important to understand if the child has exhausted the eligibility for his/her loan. This is because all student loans have a low interest rate which means that it is ideal to opt for a student loan first. Many parents borrow to ensure that their children do not have too much debt on themselves. However, as parents, you can help your children repay the student loan as well. It is not necessary to apply for college loans for parents.

How to apply for a college loan for parents
In order to apply for the loan, you will be required to make an application at the office of the college or university the child is enrolled in. You will have to request for the loan yourself. Additionally, the student must be enrolled in the school and the funds must be used for his or her educational purpose only. There are two repayment periods you can choose from. Consider the requirement of funds for the payment of tuition fees and then weigh your options. As mentioned above, the first alternative is to apply for a student loan and if the limits on the same are exhausted, you may choose to apply for college loans for parents.

Important features of college loans for parents
The purpose of the loan is to make it easier for students to have access to high-quality education. Parents need to apply for the Parent PLUS loan and it will be disbursed when all the required documents and the filled-up application form are submitted. The maximum amount that the parents may borrow on the loan is the cost of tuition fees, books, and housing. At the same time, it is important to note that there is no annual limit on the amount that may be borrowed. However, you should try to avoid debt by borrowing only the amount which is necessary for the payment of education costs so as to keep your debts in check.