Student loans require co-signer

Last year I didn't need to cosign loans for my children in college and the interest rates were almost reasonable. This year, apparently the rules changed and they now require a co-signer. The kid's interest rates for the loans are based on the parents credit rating. Parent's credit could make children suffer with 18% interest rates for these loans. Is that fair? There are other alternatives. Your thoughts? Written 10/26/09