Parent Loans
A parent loan can be used in two ways:
- It can be a way to come up with additional money when you can't afford the family share from current income and assets.
- It can alleviate a cash flow problem where you can come up with the family share, but not by the time payments are due.
Federal PLUS Loans
The Federal PLUS Loan Program is designed to supplement other forms of student aid.
- It's available regardless of income or assets.
- The variable interest rate is capped at 9 percent.
- You can borrow to cover your total cost (tuition, room, board, books, and personal expense) minus financial aid.
- There are flexible repayment options with as much as 10 years to repay.
- A minimal credit check is conducted. To qualify, you only need to demonstrate the absence of adverse credit. The application is easy to complete. Many lenders offer online preapproval for PLUS Loans.