So, Consolidation Seems Like the Way to Go


It might be, but although consolidation can simplify loan repayment and might lower your monthly payment, you should carefully consider whether you want to consolidate all your loans. For example, you might lose some discharge (cancellation) benefits if you include a Federal Perkins Loan in a FFEL Consolidation Loan or Direct Consolidation Loan. If thats the case, you might want to consolidate only your FFELs or only your Direct Loans and not your Federal Perkins Loan(s). Also, you wouldnt want to lose any borrower benefits offered under your existing nonconsolidated loans, such as interest rate discounts or principal rebates, which can significantly reduce the cost of repaying your loans.

You can have a longer period of time to repay your consolidation loan than you do for the individual student loans youre repaying, but this means youll also pay more interest over time. In fact, consolidation can double total interest expense. If you dont need monthly payment relief, you should compare the cost of repaying your unconsolidated loans against the cost of repaying a consolidation loan. To help you figure the costs, contact your lender or loan servicer.

Once made, consolidation loans cant be unmade because the loans that were consolidated have been paid off and no longer exist. So, take the time to study your consolidation options before you apply.

For more details on loan consolidation, contact your loan holder or servicer.

You will not know the desperation of the situation unless you have gone through it at any given time.