Who Can Cosign a Student Loan?
While many cosigners are parents or relatives of the student, any relationship to the student applicant is acceptable. All cosigners must meet our minimum eligibility criteria for in-school loans. As a cosigner, you share the same legal responsibility for repaying the loan as the student (primary borrower). Both you and the student can build credit through timely payments, but missed payments will affect both credit reports.
How Can I Be Added as a Cosigner?
Depending on the loan type, you can either start a private student loan application yourself and invite your student by email, or your student can send you an Earnest invitation to begin the cosigner process for a private or refinanced loan. If you receive an invitation, click the application link in the email and provide some basic information to confirm your eligibility. From there, you can complete the application online.
Can’t find the invitation email? Just click the Get In Touch button at the bottom of this article, and we will send you another one right away.
What if I Am Not Eligible to Be a Cosigner?
If you received notice that you are not eligible to be a cosigner, start by confirming your information is accurate. Your student can send you a new invitation from their Earnest dashboard so you can re-enter your details. If we are still not a good fit, your student will be notified by email and given the opportunity to invite another cosigner. In cases where no other cosigner is available, they may be able to apply on their own if they meet the eligibility requirements for an independent student loan.