Student Loan Consolidation

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Written by True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

Reviewed by Subject Matter Experts

Updated on July 11, 2023

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What Is Student Loan Consolidation?

Student loan consolidation involves combining multiple student loans into a single loan, often with a new lender, making it easier for borrowers to manage their debt.

The primary purpose of consolidating student loans is to simplify loan management, potentially secure better loan terms, and provide an opportunity to lower monthly payments.

Consolidating student loans can offer several benefits, such as simplifying loan management and potentially lowering monthly payments, but it can also have drawbacks, like losing specific loan benefits or extending the repayment period.

Types of Student Loan Consolidation

Federal Loan Consolidation

Federal loan consolidation allows borrowers to combine their federal student loans into a single loan through a Direct Consolidation Loan.

Direct Consolidation Loan

A Direct Consolidation Loan is a federal loan offered by the U.S. Department of Education, allowing borrowers to merge multiple federal student loans into one.

Eligible Loans

Federal loans that are eligible for consolidation include Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, Perkins Loans, and Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program Loans, among others.

Interest Rates

The interest rate for a Direct Consolidation Loan is a fixed rate, calculated as the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans being consolidated, rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of a percent.

Private Loan Consolidation

Private loan consolidation, also known as refinancing, involves obtaining a new loan from a private lender to pay off existing student loans.

Private Consolidation Loans

Private consolidation loans are provided by private lenders, such as banks or credit unions, and can be used to consolidate both federal and private student loans.

Eligible Loans

Eligibility for private consolidation loans varies depending on the lender's requirements, but generally, both federal and private student loans can be consolidated.

Interest Rates and Terms

Interest rates for private consolidation loans depend on factors like credit score, loan term, and lender, and may be either fixed or variable.

Types of Student Loan Consolidation

How to Consolidate Student Loans

Prepare for Consolidation

Gathering Loan Information

Before consolidating, borrowers should gather information on all their existing loans, such as loan servicers, outstanding balances, interest rates, and loan terms.

Evaluating Current Loan Terms and Benefits

It's important for borrowers to assess their current loan terms and benefits to determine if consolidation is the best option and if any benefits may be lost through consolidation.

Apply for Federal Loan Consolidation

Online Application Process

Applying for a Direct Consolidation Loan is done through the Federal Student Aid website, where borrowers can complete the online application and electronically sign the promissory note.

Required Documents

When applying for federal loan consolidation, borrowers must provide personal identification information, and details about existing loans, and select a repayment plan.

Apply for Private Loan Consolidation

Comparing Lenders and Loan Terms

When considering private loan consolidation, borrowers should research and compare various lenders, interest rates, loan terms, and additional benefits to find the best fit for their financial situation.

Credit Score Requirements

Private lenders typically require a good credit score for loan consolidation, as the credit score will influence the interest rate and terms offered.

Co-signer Options

If a borrower has a lower credit score, they may consider using a co-signer with a strong credit history to help secure better loan terms and increase the likelihood of approval.

Advantages of Student Loan Consolidation

Simplified Repayment Process

Consolidating student loans can streamline the repayment process by allowing borrowers to make a single monthly payment instead of multiple payments to different lenders.

Lower Monthly Payments

Consolidating loans may result in lower monthly payments by extending the repayment period or securing a lower interest rate.

Fixed Interest Rates

Federal loan consolidation offers fixed interest rates, providing predictability in monthly payments and protecting borrowers from future rate increases.

Extended Repayment Term

Consolidation may allow borrowers to extend their repayment term, which can lower monthly payments but may result in paying more interest over time.

Potential Access to Additional Repayment Plans and Forgiveness Programs

Federal loan consolidation may provide borrowers with access to additional repayment plans, such as income-driven plans, and forgiveness programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Disadvantages of Student Loan Consolidation

Loss of Specific Loan Benefits

Consolidating student loans may result in the loss of certain benefits, such as interest rate discounts, loan cancellation options, or borrower protections from the original loans.

Potential Increase in Total Repayment Cost

While consolidation may lower monthly payments, it may also extend the repayment period, potentially increasing the total amount paid in interest over time.

Longer Repayment Period

Consolidation can extend the repayment term, which may seem beneficial for lowering monthly payments but can result in paying more interest over the life of the loan.

Limitations on Federal Loan Consolidation

There are certain limitations to federal loan consolidation, such as the inability to consolidate private loans, and some federal loans may not qualify for certain repayment plans after consolidation.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Student Loan Consolidation

Alternative Options to Student Loan Consolidation

Student Loan Refinancing

Refinancing involves obtaining a new loan with better terms, such as a lower interest rate, to pay off one or more existing student loans, which can be an alternative to consolidation.

Income-Driven Repayment Plans

Income-driven repayment plans adjust monthly loan payments based on a borrower's income and family size, providing a more affordable option for borrowers struggling with high payments.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is a federal program that forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans for borrowers who work in qualifying public service jobs and make 120 qualifying monthly payments.

Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE) Plans

PAYE and REPAYE are income-driven repayment plans that cap monthly payments at 10% of discretionary income and provide loan forgiveness after 20 or 25 years of qualifying payments.

Alternative Options to Student Loan Consolidation

Final Thoughts

When deciding whether to consolidate student loans, borrowers should consider their financial situation, the benefits and drawbacks of consolidation, and any potential loss of loan benefits.

Borrowers should assess their financial situation and long-term goals to determine if consolidation is the best option for managing their student loan debt.

It's important for borrowers to research and compare different consolidation options to make an informed decision that aligns with their financial goals and needs.

Seeking guidance from a financial advisor or a student loan expert can help borrowers navigate the complexities of student loan consolidation, evaluate their options, and make informed decisions tailored to their specific financial situations.

Student Loan Consolidation FAQs

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About the Author

True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.

True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide, a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University, where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.

To learn more about True, visit his personal website or view his author profiles on Amazon, Nasdaq and Forbes.

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