1/2 Will you co-sign a student loan for one of your closest friends? We’ve known each other for 20 years. She is trying to get into nursing school($60k) and is getting about $32,000 in financial aid but needs co-signer for a $26K balance. I feel guilty for not helping and feel like a bad friend.
My hesitation is that there are $21K nursing schools in the state where I and her family live but she prefers to live in a different state because of her boyfriend(he won’t co-sign)

likefunnysmarthelpful
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Why is she asking you when it’s her boyfriend making her move states? I’m so confused. Also, I 100% wouldn’t do it, but if you’re adamant on doing it, then you need to be prepared for being liable for the entire loan balance and make her sign an agreement with you that any amounts you pay will be her responsibility.

likesmarthelpful

Horribly ridiculous idea that wont accomplish anything. Just don't do it.

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First off, I will never ask a friend to co-sign a loan or to loan money unless it’s a life-and-death situation. If she has the will, there is a way. Plenty of people paid for colleges without taking loans. They made the effort. Sorry to say she just wants to take the easy way out. I would not do it. As a friend, would contribute to her education fund. If she showed me the effort that she raised some some, I would probably contribute $2000 as a gift.

likesmart

Love this idea

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I would not. Not even for my wife.

likefunny

You are not responsible for anyone’s debt if your name isn’t on it. Taking on someone’s student loan debt is dumb. Because if they die you are still responsible.

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NOOOOOOOOO NEVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRR EVERRRRRRRRR

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Honestly I think I kind of a people pleaser but also had no idea that it will impact my credit score even if she pays it off

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So she is moving states for the boyfriend who won’t co-sign for her? I’d stay out of this. Reiterate your offer of letting her stay with you but end at that. Say you cannot co-sign for your own financial reasons.

likesmart

100% this. Also why is she moving states for someone who doesn’t see a future with her like that? Especially if it means incurring way more debt than if she stayed in state where she has a support system.

Don’t set yourself on fire to keep someone else warm. This (her relationship) doesn’t seem like it’ll work out in the long run anyway, and you don’t want to be financially tied to that train wreck.

likehelpful

No absolutely not. I'd gift the money or do nothing. Any other situation risks the friendship.

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No, absolutely never.

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2/2 I offered that she could come stay with me for the duration of her program in my state(at no cost) or stay with her family. And then she can focus on her education and if needed take out a personal loan for her personal needs while in school

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That’s plenty generous. If your friend still is adamant about following some guy who won’t co-sign her loan, it’s not your place to go above and beyond (guy prolly not into her and you enabling this will only cause problems)

likesmart

No and a no.
She can go to in-state school
BF can co-sign(even he should not)

Her starting salary will be no different after finishing BSN no matter which school she goes to. Paying 60k has no justification.

Be a true friend and don't lead her in a path of student loan debt.

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I’m not nurse either lol

Nope. Never loan a friend money (or enter into any financial agreement) unless it’s an amount of money you’re fine never getting back.

This is my financial motto with friends.

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Nope, the fact that her bf or family won’t co-sign should also tell you something.

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Has this post set a record for the most unanimous answers on Fishbowl?! Everyone seems to agree! 😂

likefunny

Totally agree. Time to rethink the entire friendship.

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OP I have seen this exact scenario go down first-hand. Someone I know co-signed for her “best friend”, a good person overall at the time. Worked fine for a few years but they reduced contact 7-8 years in, and became more of acquaintances. The loanee stopped making payments on the loan, at the exact same time my friend was trying to qualify for a mortgage for a house.

My friend is currently paying the entire loan payments (in order to keep her credit score clear) until she can complete her home purchase. Tens of thousands of dollars sunk on it so far, and all bc she wanted to be “nice”.

DO. NOT. DO. IT. it is a phenomenally idiotic idea.

likesmarthelpful

No. It’s her boyfriends job.

likefunnysmart

EY3 Because it has nothing to do with the dude and it has to do with her education.

The dude could easily be gone tomorrow. Why would he want to be on the hook for 20k+? It would make sense if it were her husband but it’s just her boyfriend.

This would be a complete non-starter for me. Not happening under any circumstances. I was able to take out sufficient federal loans for grad school (out of state) without any cosigners. If the federal government won't even loan her this money, then why would you want to take on that risk?

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Lol her bf won't cosign.....come on.

If y'all have really known each other for 20+years, I assume y'all are probably 30s. She can go figure it out like a big girl.

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No, that’s a financial risk/liability. If her boyfriend loves her, he should do it. But it wouldn’t be wise for him to 😬.

She should look into community colleges, I know in the south some spend only $10k total for a ADN and will use a hospital to pay for the BSN.

likehelpful

Correct, I am in the south as well. They also have BSN programs for 20K and if you factor in financial aid that could almost be free

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What kind of “friend” would ask someone to co-sign their student loans?! I think I’d be looking for a new “friend”

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Just tell her you need to take out a personal loan to pay down some of your own debts and if you co-signed her loan then it would void your ability to get your personal loan.

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Lying is not the route to go. Just say you're not comfortable doing it.

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