Are you worried about your child’s education? You’re probably stressed out due to the increasing costs of college education in the country. Every parent wants to provide the best education to their child, but most struggle to help their child achieve their academic dreams. Most parents end up sacrificing their financial futures to put their children through college and ensure they get the best education possible. However, they shouldn’t be in that position in the first place.
It’s better to start planning early for college so that you don’t need to find yourself in a position to take loans from creditors and banks to fund your child’s education. There are many ways to help your child pay for college, from refinancing a mortgage to cosigning a student loan. Even if you didn’t start saving early for your child’s education, you don’t need to worry, as we are sharing the best ways to help your child pay for college right here. These include:
1. Creating a College Savings Plan
Creating a college savings plan for your child is the smart choice and one of the best financial decisions you can make to safeguard your child’s higher education. One of the best options available to you is a 529 college savings plan or a qualified tuition program. Every state has various types of college savings plans, 529 plans, or prepaid tuition plans.
However, there are separate rules and benefits for each college savings plan, which is why you must read up on it to get a head start. These college savings plans allow you to save more money for your child’s college education. When your child gets into college, you can use the money to pay for school-related expenses and tuition.
2. Apply for PLUS and Private Loans
- An estimated 4 million parents who have applied for loans have gotten parent PLUS loans to fund their child’s college education. Parents can apply by using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).Holders of PLUS loans can borrow amounts as high as the tuition cost, and the loan will be treated like federal student loans.
3. Cosign Student Loans
- When students have to supplement their federal student loans, they tend to turn towards private student loans. However, you need to have a good credit score and an extensive credit history to qualify for these loans, which most students don’t have. It shouldn’t be a problem because parents can cosign a student loan for their children.
It essentially means that you will be assuming liability for the loan if your child doesn’t pay it back, and even though your child will benefit from it, you will be taking a risk. You should consider your options before cosigning a student loan so that you don’t jeopardize your financial future.