As you can guess by the picture, the decision has been made regarding which university for Erin. The intent to register goes in this week, followed shortly by the housing application (she likes the mini-suites in Units 1 or 2 best). The next question is: “How do we pay for this?”
Now, I’m not asking “Where do we come up with the money?” That’s a more private question. My question here is: Given the variety of funding sources available, how should we prioritize them and what should we take from where. Here are the funding sources as I see them, excluding any merit scholarship money we might get:
- Student Savings. Savings accounts of the student, set aside in the student’s name for college.
- Subsidized Federal Direct Student Loans. Loans where the government pays the interest while the student is in school; student begins repayment of accrued interest and principle six months after graduation. Current rate: 6.8%
- Unsubsidized Federal Direct Student Loans. Similar to the above, except the student is responsible for all interest.
- Savings Bonds. Mostly issued in the parents name, payable on death to the student, but can be gifted to the student.
- California Scholarshare. Money accumulated in a
125(b)529 account. - Parent Savings. Money the parents have in, essentially, cash or near cash accounts.
- Parent Loans. Usually the Federal Direct Parent Plus Loans. Repayment starts 60 days after final loan disbursement for the year, although payments can be deferred while the student is in school. Interest accrues. Current rate: 7.9%.
Other factors to consider: Interest makes the overall cost of education more expensive, so a loan with a rate of 6.8% means that the school costs are 6.8% more than if you paid cash. If you can’t earn enough to cover that, you may be better off paying cash, if you have it. Further, there are origination fees of 1% for all Federal Direct Loans to students, and 4% for Direct Parent Plus loans. This makes loaned money more expensive.
Some additional factors: I know there is a tax write-off for tuition expenses, but I’m not sure how you get it. I know that student funds are “taxed” at a higher rate in the FAFSA form, so spending those down faster might mean more money in subsequent years. Savings bonds, if gifted, will probably be taxed at a lower rate; if they haven’t maxed out on interest, they are still earning good interest. Doing some level of student loans is a good thing — especially if you pay them off early — for it does wonders for the student’s credit rating. Also, if you pay them off quickly, the overall interest expense is lower (at least I believe student loans are simple interest and not amortized, like home loans). On the other hand, you don’t want to come out of the process saddling the student — or the parent — with excessive loans.
Here’s the ultimate question: given all these factors, what is the best approach to take in terms of what amounts to draw from what accounts. For example, the answer might be: The parent pays the maximum deductable tuition credit, and then turns to subsidized loans, paying them off that year. Scholarshare is used next, followed by Savings Bonds. Next is cash on hand from both parties, followed by unsubsidized loans. Now, that’s just a guess. I’m going to be asking my tax adviser on this, as well as the college planning folks, but I thought I would get your opinion as well. Those who have been recent students: What is the best approach?