SoFi

Growing your family is a huge decision, and adopting a child will change your life forever. And while making the decision to open up your home and your heart to a new child seems like a natural next step for you and your family, the process can actually be pretty complicated—and costly.

There are a few different adoption methods and each comes with its own unique costs and fees. Read on for a breakdown of some expenses you might run into in the adoption process.

Cost of Adoption from Foster Care

Adopting a child from foster care tends to be less expensive than other options. According to a 2017 survey from Adoptive Families , the average cost of a foster care adoption was about $3,000.

Home Study

One of the most important costs to account for is the home study, which is when the prospective parents’ home is screened such that the adoption agency can get a sense of their day-to-day life. While the cost of a home study might be included in the overall adoption fee from an agency, the fees can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Foster care adoptions will also generally have a home study where a social worker observes the interaction between the potential adoptive parents and the child. In some cases, there may be state or federal programs to offset

Tax Credits for Foster Care Adoptions

The good news is there are also plenty of government resources for foster care adoptions—The Children’s Bureau, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has a wealth of resources available discussing the ins and outs of adoption.

The Children’s Bureau further explains that thanks to amendments to the Social Security Act in 1994 , families adopting children from foster care could qualify for federal assistance depending on the child’s eligibility. This assistance includes :

•   A one-time, non-recurring reimbursement for adoption transaction costs
•   Recurring monthly maintenance payments for the child’s care (Not to exceed what the state would have paid to keep the child in foster care)

Families contending with medical expenses for the birth mother or child, attorney’s fees, or those who need extra travel for visits before placement might experience higher expenses than average with a foster care adoption.

Children adopted through foster care may also be eligible for health insurance coverage under Medicaid, and other medical assistance to cover some or all of the child’s needs like special education or therapy.

Planning for Private Agency Adoption

Private adoption costs in the U.S. can vary from state to state. According to the Children’s Bureau, the cost of a private, agency-assisted adoption can range anywhere from $20,000 to $45,000 on average .

Agency Fees

U.S. domestic adoptions must also be finalized in a court. Court documentation fees can be in the range of $500 to $2,000 , in addition to the cost of legal representation for the adoptive parents, which can range from $1,500 to $4,000 . Depending on the state, these fees may or may not be covered as part of an agency’s overall pricing.

Independent Adoption Costs

Some families choose to adopt a child without the assistance of an adoption agency and instead work directly through an attorney. It might seem like a cost-saving measure at first, but pricing can still vary. Expenses might be low if you match with a birth parent through word of mouth, or if the birth mother’s expenses are minimal.

However, these adoption costs can still range from around $15,000 to $40,000 . This typically includes most of the same costs of any other domestic adoption, including the home study, the birth mom’s medical expenses, and legal and court fees for the adoptive parents and birth parents.

Expenses for Intercountry Adoption

Adoption fees will differ depending on which country you plan to adopt a child from. Intercountry adoption costs tend to be higher than a U.S.-based adoption because there is usually foreign travel and immigration processing to factor into the equation, in addition to other higher court costs, mandatory adoption education, and other documentation. The U.S. government says the average cost can range from $20,000 to $50,000 for a foreign adoption.

Costs can depend on the organization managing the adoption as well: whether it’s the government, private agency, orphanage, non-profit organization, private attorney, or some combination of the above. Some intercountry adoptions are finalized in the child’s home country, while others must be finalized in the United States. Finalizing an adoption in U.S. court can come with extra costs, but also provides additional legal protections and documentation.

Other costs to adopt a child from another country can include :

• Escort fees for when/if parents can’t travel to accompany the child to the U.S.
• Medical care and treatment for the child
• Translation fees
• Foreign attorney or foreign agency fees
• Passport and visa processing
• Counseling and support after placement

Financing the Cost of Adoption

So, with costs ranging from at least a few thousand dollars to up to $50,000 or more, financing an adoption may require some planning. Financially preparing for a child typically means looking into all associated costs, including raising your new child and tackling your own debt.

Some employers may offer financial and other support to help with the adoption process. According to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption , the average policy offers a reimbursement of around $10,000.

Additionally, companies with 50 or more employees are required by federal law to grant parental leave to employees who have adopted a child. Mothers and fathers are eligible for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave after the birth or adoption of a new child.

To offset some of the high costs of adoption, there are currently also federal adoption tax credits . The actual amount depends on family income, tax year, and employer adoption benefits, so it’s a good idea to talk to your tax attorney if you’re interested.

Grants and loans also exist to help with the cost of adoption and can help with any type of legal adoption, whether a foster care adoption, private agency, or overseas adoption. Most grants and loans have their own eligibility criteria based on things like marital status, income level, or even specifics like religion.

You can also consider taking out a private loan from a lender like SoFi to cover the adoption costs. If you qualify for a personal loan, you can use it for whatever qualifying personal financial need arises. Or perhaps you want to pay down your credit card debt, or build a new bedroom before the baby arrives, which a personal loan can help with as well.

The Takeaway

The cost of adopting a child can vary widely, from a few thousand dollars to $50,000. Foster care adoptions tend to be less expensive than private agency or intercountry adoptions. There are state or federal tax credits that may help offset the cost of adoption. Other resources to pay for an adoption include grants and loans.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Lending Corp (dba SoFi), a lender licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Financing Law, license # 6054612; NMLS # 1121636 . For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOPL18162

College planning is an exciting time for you and your child. But, as exciting as it may be, there is a lot of preparation involved.

So, whether your child is entering into their freshman year of high school or a few months away from graduation, there is no better time to start planning than the present.

From figuring out your financials to helping your child prepare for admission exams, this post will provide you with a college planning checklist for parents to streamline your child’s transition from grade school to college.

Starting a Savings Plan

Paying for college is expensive. According to The College Board , the cost of a public four-year school in 2009-2010 was $8,420 per year for tuition and fees. Currently, a public four-year school costs $10,440 in tuition and fees. That’s a 123% increase over the last decade, just for tuition and fees.

As prices continue to soar, it’s easy to become worried about how your child will pay for college or that they will have to take out a crushing amount of student loans in order to pay for the college of their dreams.

With this reality top-of-mind, it’s wise to start saving for your child’s college tuition and fees. But, while many parents may have the best intention of helping their children pay for their college expenses, they often fail to prepare.

So, even if your child is just now entering high school, you can still start saving and preparing for college costs. It’s never too late to start setting money aside for your children’s education.

Paying Close Attention to Grades and Curriculum

According to a 2019 report from the National Association for College Admission Counseling , students’ academic achievements, which include grades, strength of curriculum, and admission test scores, constitute the most important factors in the admission decision.

Since grades and curriculum are crucial to getting an acceptance letter, you may want to keep close tabs on your student’s grades and study habits. From helping with studying to supporting homework expectations, getting involved with your kid’s coursework may help them perform better in school.

You may also want to encourage them to take Advanced Placement® courses. Since AP® courses allow you to tackle college-level material while your child is still in high school, your student may get ahead by taking some.

Also, if your student passes the AP® exam at the end of the class, they could be rewarded with college credits. Racking up college credits could save you time and money in the future.

For example, if your child takes AP® English in high school, they might be able to skip freshman-level English once they get to the college or university of their choice.

There are fees associated with taking AP® exams. Fee reductions may be available for qualified applicants.

Encouraging Involvement with the Community

According to the same report from the National Association for College Admission Counseling , colleges are seeing more applications than ever. Between the Fall 2017 and Fall 2018 admission cycles, the number of applications from first-time freshmen increased 6%and international student applications increased by 7%.

With the increase of competition, your child must stand out. While the top factors in admission decisions were academics, the next most important factors included a student’s demonstrated interest and extracurricular activities.

That said, encouraging your child to get involved in the community could potentially help them write a solid college application or it may even help them decide what they want to do with the rest of their lives.

For example, if your child loves to run, they may want to try out for the track team to round up their classes or volunteer as a track coach for a youth team. Or, if they prefer journalism instead of sports, they may want to try writing for the school newspaper.

Not only will getting involved help with their college application but it will help sharpen their skills. So, don’t be afraid to encourage them to explore their passions and get involved with the community. Even better, you could get involved with them.

Planning for the SAT and ACT

Another key component to receiving acceptance letters from colleges and universities is having acceptable SAT® and ACT® scores. Some schools require the Scholastic Aptitude Test® known as the SAT®, while others may require the American College Testing®, known as the ACT®. Some schools will accept either one, but it’s a good idea to check the preference of the schools your child will apply to.

To help your child prepare you can encourage them to sign up for an after-school prep class or practice at home by using online resources such as Khan Academy’s free SAT practice program in partnership with The College Board©.

Another option is to have your child take an SAT® and ACT® preparation course from Prep Expert. As an ed-tech company, Prep Expert specializes in online SAT® and ACT® test preparation and offers full-length live online courses, prerecorded video courses, private tutoring, and more.

Researching Schools

One of the most important components of college planning for your child is helping them decide which university or college is the right fit. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available to help you find a school that will fit your child’s education and experience needs.

To get started in the decision-making process you may first want to help your child decide what degree they would like to achieve. If they know they want to be an engineer, you may want to focus on schools with good engineering programs.

Even if you may think their degree is too niche, there is often a program that will support it. Whether they want to study astrobiology or comic art , there is often a program for your child. However, if they are unsure of a major, they may want help finding a school with more program options available.

It’s also wise to consider factors such as location and the type of college experience your child wants to have. For example, if they want to go to a school close to home and commute to save money, that desire will limit the search parameters.

Remember, while you may be the voice of reason, the ultimate decision is up to your child—the student. Simply help them evaluate all of the key factors in making an informed decision.

Scheduling College Visits

According to the University of California’s American Freshman Survey published in 2019, 51.7% of respondents said college visits were highly important in deciding which college to go to.

With this in mind, you may want to help your child plan a college visit well in advance of making a decision. The College Board recommends scheduling your visits during your child’s junior year in the spring if you have already researched schools.

For seniors, it may be best to schedule visits in the fall through the winter months. This may help seniors narrow down their options.

Since you want your child to get a feel of the college experience, you’ll want to make sure classes are in session. Therefore, it’s also wise to avoid visits during holidays or break weeks.

Investigating Financial Aid Options

Even if you have saved for your child’s education, you may want or need to explore other financial aid options which could include your child taking on some of the cost.

Completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is one of the first recommended steps to applying for student financial aid, whether that is in the form of grants, scholarships, federal loans, or work study. Filing opens on October 1 each year and the deadline to complete the form is June 30 of each year.

It’s recommended to complete the form as soon as possible because there are differing deadlines to be aware of, including for individual colleges as well as federal and state deadlines. The sooner you submit your FAFSA, the better your chances of receiving aid will be.

Colleges and universities will use the information reported on the FAFSA® to determine how much aid a student is eligible for. Even if your child has not applied to a school yet, they can list that school on the FAFSA®, so encourage them to include their dream school as well as those they consider safety schools.

A Student Aid Report (SAR), which is a summary of information provided on the FAFSA®, will be sent within three weeks—sometimes sooner. Corrections to the FAFSA®, if needed, can be made after reviewing this report. The SAR contains information about a student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) . It is recommended that the report be kept for your records.

The schools listed on the FAFSA® will have access to the information within a few days of when the form is submitted. If your student is approved for financial aid, they will receive financial aid award letters from each school they applied and were accepted to. These letters will include information such as the cost of attendance (COA) , EFC, grants, scholarships, loans, and other financial aid that your child might be eligible for.

Comparing each financial aid award letter can help you and your child determine the financial obligation of attending each school. It is recommended to exhaust all federal aid options before considering a private loan. But if you are looking for supplemental funding for your child’s education, private student loans may be an option.

Private student loans and parent loans at SoFi have no origination fees, no late fees, and no insufficient fund fees. The application process is entirely online and flexible repayment options are available.

If deciding between schools is still a struggle, try using a resource like Edmit to compare the cost of attendance, estimate financial aid needs, and learn more about merit aid or scholarships available.

SoFi members receive complimentary access to Edmit Plus for data-driven facts and figures to help you and your child decide which school is the right choice.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. SoFi Lending Corp. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.
Third Party Brand Mentions: No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

SOPS20003

A college education almost always costs more than families initially think it will, when everything is accounted for, so most students take out loans. The loan money is sent to the attending college, placed in the student’s account, and applied to various costs.

Fortunately, there are plenty of options available. But students are often left with questions like How are federal student loans disbursed? How are private student loans disbursed?

Stay tuned for clarification and guidance on federal and private student loans.

The Lowdown on Student Loans

Student loans are designed to help college students absorb the many costs of postsecondary education.

The average price of tuition and fees for the 2020-21 school year was $10,600 for an in-state student at a public college and nearly $37,700 for a private college student. The total annual cost of attendance ranged from nearly $27,000 at public colleges (in-state rate) to $55,000 at private colleges on average.

So borrowing becomes the normal route. Student loans are most often used to cover:

•   Tuition and fees
•   Housing
•   Meals
•   Transportation
•   Books and supplies
•   Computers

Loan amounts can be excessive and give students the idea that they have a surplus of cash to spend. A rule of thumb suggests that only required materials and needs can be paid for with a loan.

For example, student loans may cover a campus meal plan but not food purchased from local fast-food joints. Bus fare or ride-share fees may be covered but not the purchase of a new car.

When in doubt about whether an item can be purchased with student loan funding or not, it’s best to speak directly to the loan provider or college financial aid department.

Got leftover money? Before going on a shopping spree, remember that that’s borrowed money and will have to be repaid, with interest.

Federal and Private Student Loans

There are two main types of student loans: federal loans and private loans. Federal loans are provided by, you guessed it, the U.S. government, while private loans are issued by financial institutions. Each type of loan has advantages and potential caveats students should be aware of.

Financial advisors almost always recommend exploring federal options first. Applications are quickly processed, and these types of loans tend to have lower interest rates than private options. Interest rates are almost always fixed, meaning students won’t have to worry about fluctuating payments.

Another advantage is that students don’t typically have to begin making payments on federal loans until after graduation or dropping below half-time enrollment, according to the Federal Student Aid office. (Holders of parent PLUS loans for undergraduates are expected to begin making payments after the loan is fully disbursed, unless the parent requests deferment.)

Federal financial aid programs also offer more flexible repayment plans based on income, may be subsidized, and offer loan forgiveness to qualified students, the Federal Student Aid office notes.

But the benefits of federal loans don’t mean private student loan options shouldn’t be considered. For some students, like those who are denied federal funding, those for whom federal loans come up short, and those who are approved but never receive their full loan amount , private loans can be a financial lifesaver.

With a bit of grit and a co-signer with a healthy credit score, students can obtain private loans with low and fixed interest rates comparable to federal loans.

One common downside of private loans is that repayment tends to start immediately. But in some cases, private loans can offer larger sums of money upfront, allowing students to pay for nearly every expense with one loan and make only one payment a month.

Types of Student Loans

So now that you know that there are two main types of student loans, federal and private, it’s important to know the variations of each type. These include:

Direct Subsidized Federal Loan

Also known as a Stafford Loan, this option is often touted as the best type of federal loan available to applicants. That’s because a loan applicant will receive a subsidy upon graduation matching the amount of interest the loan has accrued.

In other words, a Direct Subsidized Loan will always be paid back at its original amount, despite years of accruing interest. Because it’s hard to match the benefit of an interest-free loan, it’s recommended to always accept these types of loans if approved.

Direct Unsubsidized Federal Loan

Unlike the subsidized version, a Direct Unsubsidized Loan will accrue interest, which will be included in the final repayment amount.

Before accepting this type of loan, explore and calculate interest rates and the potential accrued interest to have a better understanding of potential future payments.

Direct PLUS Loan

This type of federal loan is only available to graduate students or parents of undergraduates. The interest rate is higher than subsidized and unsubsidized federal loans, and a credit check is required.

This type of loan can’t be refinanced, so applicants will need a great credit score to avoid an inflated interest rate. The good news is that the interest rate is always fixed.

Direct Consolidated Loan

For students with several federal loans, it’s possible to consolidate them into one account with one monthly payment with a Direct Consolidated Loan. There is no fee to apply for this kind of loan, but all accrued interest will be rolled into the total principal balance. This leads to faster-accruing interest for students who can pay only the monthly minimum.

While it’s certainly more convenient to consolidate multiple loans, consider the additional length of the loan and additional interest paid over time before committing.

Private Student Loan

It’s no secret that interest rates vary widely with private loans. But students may find that the overall amount they qualify for is often higher than federal loan limits allow. There are also loan fees to consider, but not all lenders apply these.

Federal loans often have more protections for students, but they rarely cover all of the costs that come with a college education, which is why many students find themselves with a combination of federal and private loans.

How and When Are Student Loans Disbursed?

Whether a student chooses to accept multiple federal loans, a private loan, or a combination of the two, the money is often distributed the same way. The loan amount is sent directly to the attending school, where it is kept in the student’s account and then applied to covered costs, including tuition, fees, room and board.

When there is leftover money in a student’s account, the excess is paid directly to the student to be used for additional expenses. These payouts tend to take place once per term and vary by school. If students receive leftover funding, they can use it as they see fit or even begin to pay back the loan early.

Keep in mind that all universities have their own policies on loans and disbursement. Questions about how a specific school handles student loans should be directed to the financial aid office.

Overage funds tend to be awarded to the holder of the loan. If a student’s parents hold a loan with overage, they’re more likely to receive the leftover money.

Also, disbursements may be held for 30 days after the first day of enrollment, especially if the student is a freshman and first-time borrower, according to the Federal Student Aid office.

Entrance counseling may be required before taking out federal loans or receiving leftover money.

Final Tips

Student loans are often a necessary step in the college journey. The world of loans can be intimidating at first, but it’s not impossible to learn how to navigate the financial waters of a postsecondary education. These final tips may help.

•  Compare all options. It’s better to have too many loan options and turn some down than face uncertainty about how to pay for everything.
•  Apply early to ensure that there’s time to make corrections if necessary. There are rules and requirements unique to all types of loans.
•  Avoid overborrowing. Try to calculate overall expenses and keep loan amounts as close as possible to the estimate. Being approved for a large loan doesn’t mean the total amount has to be accepted.
•  Get a part-time job, if necessary, to alleviate the stress that loan payments can add.

Curious about private student loans? Consider applying for a private loan with SoFi. With an all-online application, no fees, flexible repayment plans, and possible rate discounts for SoFi members, SoFi can smooth the path to a college degree.

Oh, and SoFi makes it easy to add a co-signer to an application.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Lending Corp (dba SoFi), a lender licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Financing Law, license # 6054612; NMLS # 1121636 . For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal.
SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. A hard credit pull, which may impact your credit score, is required if you apply for a SoFi product after being pre-qualified.

SOPS20035