How to Find and Ask a Student Loan Cosigner
Get Approved With an Eligible Cosigner
More than 90% of all private student loans require a cosigner. If your student loan application was denied for your credit score or lack of credit history, you might be able to reapply with an eligible cosigner.
#1
They have a steady income through a good job or other income source
#2
They have a good credit score and history
#3
They trust you and believe in your future success
Borrow Responsibly
The best way to pay for college is through scholarships, grants, savings and federal student loans. Make sure you evaluate all anticipated monthly loan payments and how much you expect to earn in the future after graduating before considering a private student loan.
Who to ask to be your student loan cosigner
Typically cosigners for student loans are someone in your family who wants to invest in your future. But, close family friends or a mentor who believes in you can also be a good person to ask to cosign your student loan.
Parents, Spouses, Aunts/Uncles, Grandparents, Mentors, Siblings, Cousins.
What to tell your student loan cosigner
1. Explain that you have applied for Federal Aid and still need money to cover the cost of school.
2. What the loan amount is and what it will cover (tuition, books, housing, living expenses)
3. Your plan to help with repayment immediately (i.e. part-time job)
4. Post-graduation repayment plans for long-term
5. What you would do if you run into financial problems with repaying
6. Cosigner release options (early release, death release, etc.)
7. The total amount of all other federal and private student loans you have
8. Any other debt you have like car payments or credit card debt
9. Remind them that they are completely responsible for the repayment of the loan
10. Let them know why you are pursuing your degree to make a better future for yourself. Share the top reasons to cosign a student loan