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Tuesday 3 April 2012

How To Go About Student Loan Consolidation Overview

By Ted Smith


Student debt consolidation allows students to consolidate multiple loans and obtain a lower interest rate. Consolidation programs featured by private lenders offer interest rate reduction for automatic and on-time payments, and there are no prepayment penalties. Refinancing works to reduce the stress of having to make multiple payments and allows borrowers to budget and keep track of repayment, simplifying their finances. Naturally, it is not easy to manage multiple payments, due dates, and fees, and borrowers may miss a payment. This can result in higher interest rates, penalties, and a drop in the borrower's credit score, making it more difficult to apply for loans in the future.

Student loan consolidation is beneficial only if the consolidation company offers favorable terms. Thus, the first step is to inquire about the terms and conditions they offer. Ask about the repayment term which is usually between 25 and 30 years. If your credit score is less than perfect, ask whether you can apply together with a creditworthy cosigner. The consolidation company may offer a low interest rate and favorable terms if both of you have very good credit scores.

When it comes toloans for students, many students are unsure whether it is a good idea to consolidate multiple loans. Borrowers looking for an alternate plan of repayment usually opt for student debt consolidation. Debt consolidation gives access to alternate repayment plans, for example, income contingent repayment, graduated repayment, extended repayment, and others. While alternate repayment plans are offered for unconsolidated loans as well, repayment terms are based on the loan balance, and consolidation loans go with longer repayment periods. Another reason to consolidate is to reset the clock on forbearances and deferments, meaning that a debt consolidation loan will come with its own forbearances and deferments. Borrowers also consolidate to get rebates on fees, lower interest rates, and discounts.

How to apply for a consolidation loan? You should first find out whether you are a likely candidate. Borrowers who have graduated, are not enrolled in a graduate program, and have good credit qualify for a student consolidation loan. The next step is to find a debt consolidation company. Ask someone in your university or college whether they can recommend a financial institution. To this, you may contact your financial aid counselor or loan administrator and ask for more information. Apart from recommending a debt consolidation company, they may look at your consolidation plans and offer advice. Once you have chosen a debt consolidation company, inquire whether they can lower your interest rate if you make regular payments or set up automatic payments.

While you will be making lower monthly payments, you will pay more in interest charges. The reason is that you are extending the term of the loan and will be paying interest over a longer period of time.




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