Can a boyfriend cosign a student loan?

Asked by: Miss Yolanda Schumm DVM  |  Last update: October 7, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (15 votes)

A spouse or partner can also cosign a student loan, as can a friend. No matter who you decide to ask, be sure to consider how having this person cosign on a loan, or even asking them to, could affect your relationship.

Who qualifies as a cosigner for student loans?

Your spouse, relative, guardian, or friend can be a cosigner. Only one person can cosign for a private student loan. For instance, if two parents are willing to be cosigners, only one will be able to do it. Your cosigner is equally responsible for repayment of the full amount of the loan, not just part of it.

Does it hurt your credit to cosign a student loan?

Cosigning a loan for a loved one or student borrower can also impact your credit if the primary borrower fails to make on-time payments. Missed payments and late payments can have a negative impact on credit scores for both you and the primary borrower.

What are cosigner requirements?

Understanding Cosigner Requirements

Generally, a cosigner must be 18 years or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who meets the credit criteria the lender sets. These criteria typically include meeting a minimum credit score, credit history, and income level.

Can my son get a student loan without a cosigner?

Federal direct unsubsidized loans are available to all undergraduate and graduate borrowers regardless of financial need, and there's no co-signer required. They don't come with a break on interest like subsidized loans do, so as an undergraduate, be sure to max out subsidized loans before turning to unsubsidized ones.

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What credit score do I need to take out a student loan without a cosigner?

Earnest's student loans provide funding to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. If applying without a cosigner, you'll need to meet Earnest's minimum credit score requirement of 650. You will also have fewer options when it comes to repayment, leaving you with either a 5 or 7-year repayment period.

Can a 21 year old get a student loan without a cosigner?

Federal student loans don't require credit history or a co-signer. They're also the most flexible when it's time to repay, so use them first. But to afford college, some students may need private student loans, which are credit-based. A small number of private lenders offer student loans without a co-signer.

Does a cosigner need proof of income?

Good Credit Standing: The lender will ask permission to look at each person's credit scores and credit history. Proof of Ability to Pay: Your co-signer will be required to produce evidence of sufficient income and/or assets to cover the amount of the loan obligation, in the event the signer doesn't pay.

What credit score do you need to have to be a cosigner?

Although lender requirements vary, a cosigner generally needs a credit score that is at least considered "very good," which usually means at least 670 or better.

Can you get denied with a cosigner?

If you've been denied a private student loan with a cosigner

If you're denied a student loan because of your cosigner's credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, or length of employment history, don't give up hope. It's time to find a new cosigner.

What is a good credit score to cosign a student loan?

Lenders are more likely to approve your loan if your cosigner's credit score is 720 or higher. If your cosigner has a credit score between 680 and 720, he or she may still be able to help you secure a loan, but the interest rate will probably be higher.

Is Cosigning a student loan a good idea?

Cosigning can help your child qualify for better loan options, score lower interest rates, and build credit. Cosigning will affect both parties' credit scores. If the student borrower makes late payments or defaults, you could see your score drop, too.

How long is a co signer responsible for a student loan?

The responsibility can last as long as the loan term

In addition, if your student doesn't graduate, earn as much as anticipated after graduating or obtain their expected job, the debt doesn't go away. If the loan has been disbursed, cosigners are equally responsible for payment.

Can a friend cosign a student loan?

The answer, in most cases, is almost anyone you'd trust to do so. For example, from one of the most popular loan sources, Wells Fargo, besides your parents, co-signing a loan with your permanent legal guardian, another family member, your significant other, or even a close friend is possible.

Is it easier to get approved with a cosigner?

In general, it is wise to have a cosigner with at least a credit score of 670 or higher. This can make it easier to not only get approved for a personal loan but also receive better offers that can save you money and offer you financial flexibility.

Does your cosigner have to be present?

Some lenders do require the cosigner to be present at closing, while others may allow digital signatures or notarized signatures. Pro tip: Consult your lender beforehand to see if the cosigner needs to be present during closing.

Do you always get approved with a cosigner?

If you need a personal loan but can't get approved, a co-signer with good credit may help. But not all lenders accept a co-signer — and if they do, it means both you and your co-signer are putting your credit and finances on the line.

What is the minimum income for a cosigner?

Typically, subprime lenders ask that cosigners have a minimum monthly income of $1,500 to $2,000 a month before taxes from one job. They also check to see that they have a qualifying debt to income (DTI) ratio of no more than 45% to 50% of their monthly income.

Can you cosign a loan with no income?

In addition to having a good or excellent credit score, your potential cosigner will need to show that they have enough income to pay back the loan in the event you default on it. If they lack sufficient income, they won't be able to offset the lender's risk and may not be able to cosign.

Does being a cosigner show up on your credit report?

Whatever you cosign will show up on your credit report as if the loan is yours, which, depending on your credit history, may impact your credit scores. Cosigning a loan doesn't necessarily mean your finances or relationship with the borrower will be negatively affected, but it's not a decision you should make lightly.

Is Sallie Mae worth it?

Sallie Mae is a four-star lender based on NerdWallet's student loan rating system. Our ratings prioritize low interest rates and flexible repayment options that allow borrowers to repay loans faster and avoid default.

How do I pay for college with no cosigner?

Federal student loans, including the Direct Loan, Perkins Loan, and PLUS Loan, do not require the borrower to have a cosigner. (If the borrower of a PLUS Loan has an adverse credit history, the borrower may still qualify if he or she has an endorser who does not have an adverse credit history.

Do Sallie Mae student loans require a cosigner?

After all, by eliminating the need for a cosigner, you eliminate the need to ask your loved ones to help you with student loans. While most student loans require a cosigner, Sallie Mae doesn't.

What credit score is needed for a Sallie Mae student loan?

The average credit score for approved Sallie Mae borrowers is around 748 for undergraduate student loans. That's pretty high – but don't panic if your credit score is much lower than that. You'll need a minimum credit score (or have a cosigner with a minimum credit score) that is somewhere in the mid-600s.

How long do Sallie Mae loans take to get approved?

When you (and your cosigner, if you have one) pass the credit review, you'll be notified that you're approved. It can take as few as 15 minutes to find out whether you've met their credit requirements. If the lender needs more information, the approval can take a few business days.