As the cost of higher education continues to rise, many students rely on student loans to help finance their education. However, for students who do not have a credit history or insufficient credit, getting approved for a student loan can be difficult. In these cases, parents may be asked to co-sign the loan to help the student get approved.

Co-signing a loan means that the parent is taking on a portion of the loan's responsibility, and is legally obligated to repay the loan if the student is unable to. This can put a significant financial burden on the parent, and it is important for them to understand the risks before agreeing to co-sign.

One major risk of co-signing a student loan is that if the student is unable to repay the loan, the parent's credit score will be negatively affected. This can make it difficult for the parent to get approved for future loans or credit cards. Additionally, if the loan goes into default, the parent may be sued for the remaining balance.

Another risk is that the student loan payments can impact the parent's ability to save for retirement or other long-term financial goals. If the parent is required to make loan payments for an extended period of time, it can divert funds away from other important financial priorities.

Despite these risks, there are also benefits to co-signing a student loan. For one, it can help the student get approved for a loan that they otherwise may not have been able to. Additionally, co-signing a loan can also help the student establish a credit history, which can be beneficial in the long term.

Ultimately, the decision to cosign a student loan is a personal one and should be based on the individual circumstances of the parent and student. It is important for parents to understand the risks and benefits of co-signing a loan, and to carefully consider their own financial situation before making a decision. Additionally, parents and students should work together to develop a repayment plan and ensure that the loan payments are affordable for both parties.

Dr. Yancie Carter