Pros and Cons of Private Student Loans

Last Update: September 9, 2021 • College Students • Loans •

Education is crucial to all and is occasionally used by society to determine people’s livelihood. That’s why you find the majority running for student loans to facilitate their learning. Applying for students loan to help your education process is encouraged; usually, this comes at an expense that you must face and solve in the next stage of your life, after school. Therefore, try and make the best decisions possible before settling on particular loan types for a student.

Pros of Private Student Loans

Advanced borrowing limits

Those who depend only on federal student loans may fall short of reaching their money goal, especially if going to a steep private school. With federal student loans, you get restricted to the amount you borrow. That’s why most prefer alternative student loans since there are higher chances of getting a loan and with a more borrowing limit once you apply. For instance, people with a private student loan can borrow almost 100% of their presence, but it is based on their education.

Have state-controlled statute of limitations

Ever heard of the word “statute of limitations?” It is a law restricting the set time for charges, and it varies by state ranging between three and ten years. However, when one defaults on private student loans, there are a statute of limitations and vice versa for federal students. Therefore, one doesn’t have to repay the private student loans even if your debt has stayed long in default. But note that, it’s not advisable to default on any student loans to avoid harming your credit.

Rewards for commendable credit

The current federal student loan rates are higher for those nearing to graduate. With the federal loan, your interest rate is the same as others, regardless of the credit. Besides, your interest rate may be as low as 2.47% when you have private student loans. It means you can get rewarded if you have exceptional credit.

Cons of Private Student Loans

Inconsistent interest rate

Most of the alternative student loans offer up-and-down interest rates to borrowers. For instance, if you borrow with a specific rate and the interest rate rises, your variable interest rate and monthly payments rise. However, this is different from federal student loans; their loan interest rates remain fixed through the loan repayment.

Payment of private loan even after dying

The most exciting thing about federal student loans is that there is no debt repayment with no cosigners after one dies. But this is the opposite of private student loans. The fact is that lenders can take your property to settle the balance even after you pass away. In case your loan wasn’t cosigned, they can prefer to reduce the value of your inheritance for the same.

Getting a cosigner for private student loans

Even if your credit score is excellent, getting a private student loan is essential to have a consigner. Remember, a cosigner is lawfully responsible for your debt in cases such as missed payments, defaulting of loans, and unable to settle all the balances, among others. This could be a challenge since one has to look for the best cosigner. Their credit should as well be exceptional.

There is no federal subsidy

Those who prefer private student loans have to reimburse the interest as soon as they acquire the loan. That means the private loans have no federal financial support. It doesn’t matter if you are still in school. You might make payments while you are studying. This will be added to your debt after completion. Besides the federal student loans, the government pays one’s interest while still in school.

- Ineligible for income-driven repayment plans

If you can’t settle your monthly balances and have private student loans, you are in a more significant problem. These private loans are not eligible for one’s repayment period and federal forgiveness. The alternative student loans are ineligible for income-driven repayment plans such as Pay As You Earn and Income-Based Repayment plans. But with federal student loans, you can have qualified income-driven repayment plans.

From the above content, it’s clear that private student loan disadvantages outweigh the advantages. Therefore, to avoid digging into your education deficits, start saving for it early but consider the federal student loans if they are late for savings. You will never be disappointed.