Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 When to Consider Transferring Loans>
- 3 Requirements for Transferring Loans
- 4 How to Apply for a Transfer Student Loans
- 5 Pros and Cons of Transferring Loans
- 6 Alternatives to Transferring Loans
- 7 Can Loans Be Transferred Back to the Parent?
- 8 Impacts to Financial Aid After Transferring
- 9 Key Takeaways
Introduction
Transferring student loans from a parent to a student is a process that allows parents who have taken out loans on behalf of their child to shift the legal responsibility for repayment to the student. This can be done either while the student is still in school or after graduation. Here are some key things to know about how to transfer student loans from parent to student.
When to Consider Transferring Loans>
There are a few common scenarios when how to transfer student loans from parent to student borrower may make sense:
The student wants to consolidate loans after graduation and have one monthly payment. Parent loans can be transferred to the student and then consolidated with the student’s other loans.
The student has the financial means to start repaying the loans and the parent does not. Transferring the legal obligation allows the student to repay the loans directly.
The student wants to pursue Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Parent PLUS loans are not eligible for PSLF, so transferring them to the student may allow forgiveness.
The parent is approaching retirement and does not want to have a student loan payment during retirement. Transferring the loans means the parent is no longer responsible for repayment.
Requirements for Transferring Loans
Here are some key requirements to how to transfer student loans from parent to student:
- The student must apply and be approved to take over the Parent PLUS loan. The lender will evaluate the student’s credit history and income.
- For loans first disbursed before July 1, 2022, the student needs to either be enrolled at least half-time in school or apply within 6 months of graduating or dropping below half-time enrollment.
- For Parent PLUS loans disbursed after July 1, 2022, the student can apply for a transfer at any time.
- Parent PLUS loans can only be transferred to the student who benefitted from the loan. Siblings cannot take responsibility for each other’s loans.
- The parent must agree to the transfer and usually needs to co-sign on the new loan.
- Fees may apply for processing the transfer.
- Interest may capitalize when the loan transfers, increasing the overall amount owed.
How to Apply for a Transfer Student Loans
To transfer how to transfer student loans from parent to student, follow these steps:
- Contact the servicer or lender for the Parent PLUS loan and ask about their procedures for transfers.
- Fill out any required applications and submit income or credit history documentation required.
- The student and parent both need to sign the promissory note for the new loan if approved.
- Complete student loan entrance counseling if the student has not already gone through this process.
- Begin repaying the new loan under the student’s name following standard repayment terms.
Here are some tips for navigating the transfer process smoothly:
Time it right based on enrollment status and eligibility windows to avoid delays or denials.
Submit paperwork promptly and follow up to ensure it is received.
Research repayment plan options if desired – transferring provides a chance to select a new plan.
Understand the fees, interest capitalization, and other financial impacts before finalizing the transfer.
Pros and Cons of Transferring Loans
Before initiating a transfer, weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks:
Potential Benefits
- Single servicer for student’s loans after consolidating
- Parent relieved of legal obligation to repay
- May open access to income-driven repayment plans
- Possibility of loan forgiveness options
- Student takes responsibility for their education costs
Potential Drawbacks
- Transfer fees and interest capitalization increase balance
- Student assumes debt they did not directly borrow
- Parent remains involved via co-signing in most cases
- Difficult to reverse once processed
- May not be able to transfer again in the future
Thoroughly researching options and implications can help make the best choice when considering how to transfer student loans from parent to student.
Alternatives to Transferring Loans
Beyond transferring loans, parents and students can also consider:
Loan refinancing: The parent refinances the PLUS loan in their own name on improved terms.
Deferment or forbearance: If struggling to repay, the parent may qualify to temporarily postpone payments.
Income-driven repayment plans: Plans like Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) base the payment on income and family size.
Student repayment: The student makes unofficial payments to the parent each month to help repay the PLUS loan.
Federal consolidation: Combining loans under a single servicer without transferring legal responsibility.
Each situation is unique, so research all options before deciding the best approach.
Can Loans Be Transferred Back to the Parent?
How to transfer student loans from parent to student, it is very difficult to reverse the process and transfer them back. Contacting the servicer to ask about the possibility is the best approach, but transfers back to the parent are rarely achievable unless there was an error in processing the initial transfer.
Instead of transferring back, the more feasible option is having the parent take over the student’s loan payments each month without being the legal borrower. The student would remain the responsible party on paper.
Impacts to Financial Aid After Transferring
How transferring loans affects future financial aid depends on the details:
- Need-based aid may increase if the parent PLUS loans had been counted as parental assets before the transfer.
- The student’s available aid may decrease if the higher debt counts against them or if they no longer qualify as a dependent.
- Transfers can impact the expected family contribution (EFC) and eligibility for aid.
To understand the implications, the student should contact their financial aid office after transferring how to transfer student loans from parent to student. Being aware of potential impacts allows the student to strategically time transfers and minimize effects on aid.
Key Takeaways
Learning how to transfer student loans from parent to student shifts legal responsibility from the parent borrower to the student. This process involves credit approval, paperwork, and understanding the financial implications. Weighing the pros and cons allows families to determine if a transfer is the right move for their situation. Thorough planning and follow-through ensures the process goes smoothly.
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