9

Given the following assumptions:

  1. Interest rates are the same for HELOCs as Federal Student Loans (they're both hovering around 5% right now).
  2. Loan amount could range anywhere between $10,000 and $40,000
  3. The home value is $400,000 and has 40% equity ($240k mortgage)

Is there any difference/advantage for choosing a HELOC vs a Federal Student Loan?

Improve this question

5 Answers 5

Reset to default
20

Is there any difference/advantage for choosing a HELOC vs a Federal Student Loan?

Federal Student Loans

  • If you qualify for subsidized loans, no interest accrues while in school.
  • Tax-benefit even if not itemizing (limits/phase-outs apply)
  • Forgiveness programs exist (typically for public sector jobs).
  • Flexible repayment (income-based, hardship forbearance/deferment)
  • Cannot be discharged in bankruptcy.
  • Discharged upon death of borrower (for Fed loans and some private loans, not Parent Plus, and not in some community property states if acquired post-marriage).
  • Must decide early how much you will accept, this inflexibility could cost you more in interest.

HELOC

  • No tax benefit.
  • No forgiveness programs.
  • Fairly rigid repayment.
  • Can be discharged in bankruptcy.
  • Death does not discharge the debt.
  • As a line of credit, you can draw as needed (during ~5-10 year draw period), could save money on interest depending on college payment plans.
Improve this answer
0
6

US Federal student loans can't be discharged in bankruptcy, HELOC can.

Improve this answer
1
  • 5
    As a side note, I'm pretty sure the opposite is true when you die, so for your family's sake you may want to consider which is more likely, bankruptcy or death.
    – TTT
    Feb 21, 2018 at 20:53
4

Up to $2,500 in student loan interest can be deducted from your taxes without itemizing, but the benefits begin phasing out if your MAGI is over $65k/$130k and it is not deductible at all if your MAGI is above $80k/$160k, for 2017 (for single/married filling jointly).

Previously, HELOC interest was deductible like a normal mortgage if you itemized deductions, but it seems the new tax law means HELOC interest is no longer deductible, except under specific circumstances.

Improve this answer
3

Outside of tax deduction differences and discharge rules mentioned in the other answers, one major difference is that the student loans are "term loans" whereas the HELOC is a "line of credit". With a line of credit you have more flexibility because every month you can over-pay and then pull more money back out if you need it. This way your average balance is perpetually slightly lower and you save a little bit of interest.

Another major advantage of the HELOC is that as you pay it down, you have more money available for a rainy day. It could theoretically act as your emergency fund which might free up savings for additional investments.

One disadvantage of the HELOC might be an annual fee (obviously this depends on your bank). Student loans typically don't have any recurring annual fees.

Improve this answer
3

  1. Any good financial advisor will recommend against borrowing money against your home unless the borrowing will result in improving the value of your home. If for some reason you fail to pay your HELOC you will end up with a lien against your property, but if fail to pay a college loan for less than 270 days you will only get penalties. Or if the value of housing drops like the bubble burst in 2007, could result in negative equity, making it very difficult or impossible to sell without paying out of pocket or doing a short sale.

  2. Most HELOC loans are variable interest rates.

  3. Take a look at college loan refinancing options like:

Improve this answer
2
  • Great point #2! In a low rate market like we have now HELOCs are more likely to rise.
    – TTT
    Feb 22, 2018 at 19:10
  • +1 At first I thought the variable rate point was irrelevant so I didn't include it in my answer, because OP mentioned rates being the same, but after more thought it's good to point out since rates won't necessarily stay the same. Many private student loans also have variable rates, but not Federal loans.
    – Hart CO
    Feb 23, 2018 at 1:19

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .