Using retirement funds to pay for college may seem like a convenient solution when faced with the high cost of higher education, especially for parents looking to support their children. However, tapping into these savings can have significant financial consequences.
While certain retirement accounts, like IRAs, allow penalty-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses, the funds are often still subject to income tax and may reduce long-term retirement security.
Understanding the pros and cons can help families make informed decisions about whether to use retirement savings for college costs.
Key Points
• Using retirement funds to pay for college can help avoid student loans, but it may incur tax liabilities and penalties depending on the account type.
• Early withdrawals from an IRA for educational purposes can bypass the 10% penalty, but the amount withdrawn will still be taxable as income.
• Loans from a 401(k) allow borrowing without immediate tax consequences, but leaving a job may trigger immediate repayment obligations, turning the loan into a taxable withdrawal.
• Alternatives to using retirement funds include scholarships, federal student loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and private student loans, which may be less risky for retirement savings.
• Balancing financial security with supporting a child’s education is essential; exploring various funding options can help maintain future financial stability.
Pros of Using Retirement Funds to Pay for College
If you already have the money saved up, there can be some upsides to taking money out of your retirement funds so that your child won’t need to take out student loans.
May Avoid an Early Withdrawal Penalty
If you have an individual retirement account (IRA), taking an early withdrawal typically results in income taxes on the withdrawal amount plus a 10% penalty. However, if you withdraw funds for qualified higher education expenses, the 10% penalty is waived.
That said, the withdrawn funds will still be considered taxable as income. Also, this tax break does not apply to 401(k) accounts. But if you roll over your 401(k) into an IRA, then you would be able to withdraw the funds from the IRA and avoid the penalty.
May Avoid Taxes Altogether
If you have a Roth IRA, you can withdraw up to the amount you’ve contributed to the account over the years without any tax consequences at all.
Paying Interest to Yourself With a 401(k) Loan
In addition to allowing you to take early withdrawals, some 401(k) plans also let you borrow from the amount you’ve already saved and earned over the years.
If you borrow from a 401(k) account, that money won’t be subject to taxes the way an early withdrawal would. Also, when you’re paying that loan back, the money you pay in interest goes back into your 401(k) account rather than to a lender.
Drawbacks of Using Retirement Funds to Pay for College
Before you raid your retirement to pay for your child’s college tuition, here are some potentially negative aspects to consider.
May Be Negative Tax Consequences
Even if you manage to avoid being charged a 10% early withdrawal penalty on your retirement account, some or all of the money you withdraw from a retirement account may be considered taxable income. Depending on how much it is, you could face a larger-than-usual tax bill when you file your tax return for the year.
401(k) Loan Repayment Can Be Affected by Your Job Status
If you take out a large loan from your 401(k), then leave your job, you may be required to pay the loan in full right then, regardless of your original repayment term. If you can’t repay it, it’ll likely be considered an early withdrawal and be subject to income tax and the 10% penalty.
You May Have to Work Longer
Taking money out of a retirement account not only lowers your balance, but it also means that the money you’ve withdrawn is no longer working for you.
Due to compounding interest, the longer you have money invested, the more time it has to grow. But even if you replace the money you’ve taken out over time, the total growth may not be as much as if you’d left the money where it was all along.
Alternatives to Using Retirement Funds to Pay for College
While you can use retirement funds to pay for college, there are other options to consider, too.
Scholarships and Grants
One of the best ways to pay for a college education is with scholarships and grants, since you typically don’t have to pay them back.
Check first with the school that your child is planning to attend (or is already attending) to see what types of scholarships and grants are available.
Then, make sure your child fills out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). The information provided in the FAFSA will help determine his or her federal aid package, which typically includes grants, federal student loans, and/or work-study.
Finally, you and your child can search millions of scholarships from online scholarship databases. While your child may not qualify for all of them, there may be enough relevant options to help reduce that tuition bill.
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Federal Student Loans
As mentioned above, filling out the FAFSA will give your child an opportunity to qualify for federal student loans from the U.S. Department of Education.
These loans have low fixed interest rates, plus access to federal benefits, including loan forgiveness programs and income-driven repayment plans.
With most federal student loans, there’s no credit check requirement, so you don’t have to worry about needing to cosign a loan with your child.
Parent PLUS Loans
If you’re concerned about the effect of student loan debt on your child, you can opt to apply for a federal Parent PLUS Loan to help cover the costs of college.
Keep in mind that the terms aren’t usually as favorable for Parent PLUS Loans as they are for federal loans for undergraduate students. The interest rates are currently higher, and you may be denied if you have certain negative items on your credit history.
Private Student Loans
If your child can’t get federal student loans, is maxed out on loans, or has pursued all other options to no avail, private student loans may be worth considering to make up the difference.
To qualify for private student loans, however, you and/or your child may need to undergo a credit check. If your child is new to credit, you may need to cosign to help them get approved by being a cosigner — or you can apply on your own.
Private student loans don’t typically offer income-driven repayment plans or loan forgiveness programs, but if your credit and finances are strong, it may be possible to get a competitive interest rate.
Recommended: A Complete Guide to Private Student Loans
The Takeaway
Using retirement funds to pay for college is one way to help your child, but you may not want to risk your future financial security. Take the time to help your child consider all of the options to get the money to pay for school.
Options to pay for college include cash savings, working a part-time job, scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and private student loans.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
Can I use retirement funds to pay for my child’s college education?
Yes, it’s possible to use retirement funds, such as those from an IRA or 401(k), to pay for college expenses. However, this decision carries potential tax implications and penalties, depending on the type of account and how the funds are withdrawn.
What are the tax implications of withdrawing from an IRA for college expenses?
Withdrawals from an IRA for qualified higher education expenses can avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty. However, the amount withdrawn is still considered taxable income, which could impact your tax bracket and financial aid eligibility.
What are the alternatives to using retirement funds for paying college tuition?
Alternatives include applying for scholarships, federal student loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and private student loans. These options can help cover college costs without compromising your retirement savings.
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