Can anyone be a cosigner for a student loan?

Asked by: Grace Pouros  |  Last update: October 10, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (27 votes)

If the cosigner has good credit, a stable income, and minimal debt, the student can often secure a far more favorable loan. Cosigners are most often parents, but not always. In some cases, friends, partners, or other relatives will cosign a student loan instead.

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.

What makes a cosigner eligible?

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.

What if I can't get a cosigner for a student loan?

Apply for Scholarships and Grants

If you find yourself without a cosigner for a student loan, then gift aid, such as scholarships and grants may be an option. Scholarships and grants do not require a cosigner and eligibility does not depend on your income, credit score or credit history.

Can a cosigner be denied?

Sometimes lenders will deny a loan if the person has too much debt. Cosigning on student loans, a car loan, or a mortgage could add a significant amount of debt for the cosigner. If the cosigner thinks that they will need to apply for a large loan soon after cosigning, the cosigner could be denied.

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43 related questions found

Can you get a student loan without a parent co signing?

You can receive federal student loans without a co-signer. If you've exhausted your federal aid and need to turn to a private loan, a few lenders do offer funding to students without co-signers.

Why would I be denied as a cosigner?

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.

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.

Why was I denied with a cosigner?

You don't have enough available income to repay the loan. Your cosigner has a poor credit score. Your cosigner's credit score is lower than yours. Your cosigner doesn't have enough available income to repay the loan.

What credit score is needed to cosign a loan?

Typically, a cosigner needs a credit score of 670 or better to be approved. This range is usually classified as very good to excellent credit.

Can a boyfriend cosign a student loan?

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.

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.

Is it hard to get a cosigner?

The co-signer needs to have a good credit score.

If the co-signer's credit is the same as yours—or worse—they may not be approved to co-sign on the loan.

Is it easier to get approved for a loan with a cosigner?

A co-signer might have to step in and make payments if the borrower does not. But a co-signer on a personal loan can benefit borrowers, including improving your chances of approval. You may also get access to a lower interest rate, which can mean lower monthly payments.

What to do if you have no one to cosign?

Four Alternatives to Having a Co-Signer
  1. Become a Subtenant or Roommate. ...
  2. Use a Co-Signer Service. ...
  3. Try a Peer-to-Peer Lender. ...
  4. Establish or Rebuild Your Credit History.

Does cosigner have to show 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.

Do you need proof of income to cosign?

Co-signing a loan means both you and the main borrower are responsible for the debt, so you will both have to fill out a loan application. Just like with any car loan application, the lender will require proof of your employment history—both current and previous employers—as well as proof of your income.

Does my credit score matter if I have a cosigner?

A co-signer has no impact on your credit. Whether you use a co-signer to take out a personal loan or get one on your own, it will have the same initial impact on your credit. A lender will perform a hard credit check, which can ding your credit score by up to five points.

Does Sallie Mae approve everyone?

Sallie Mae does not specify a minimum credit score requirement for its student loans. However, a strong credit score can improve your chances of approval for a loan or a better rate. If your credit score may not be good enough, you can get a co-signer with good credit to include on the loan.

Why is it so hard to get a student loan?

Private lenders base their lending decisions on various factors. The biggest factor is your credit history. It can be incredibly difficult to get a private student loan with no or bad credit from large financial institutions. Most large banks and student loan lenders have very strict underwriting criteria.

Can you be turned down for a student loan?

Your credit history, current credit score, insufficient application information, or a whole host of other issues could cause you to be rejected for a loan. If you were denied a student loan, you still have options.

Is it better for the parent or student to take a student loan?

Parent PLUS Loans Have Higher Interest Rates

Parent PLUS Loans typically have higher interest rates than a student's federal student loans. This means that over the life of the loan, you could end up paying significantly more in interest with a Parent PLUS Loan compared to a federal student loan taken out by a student.

Does Sallie Mae require cosigner?

While most student loans require a cosigner, Sallie Mae doesn't. Under special circumstances, you can secure a loan by yourself and achieve the dream of independence.

How to get a student loan with no income?

Getting a student loan without a job may be possible when you have a cosigner. A cosigner is someone who may be willing to make your payments. Private lenders will accept this payment arrangement. They are willing take on the financial risk when two people make payments.

How do I ask someone to cosign a student loan?

Explain what you need the student loan for, giving details on what gap you need to fill that your student aid package didn't provide. Also, outline the requirements you need of a cosigner, including a minimum credit score and consistent monthly income.