How to Consolidate Student Loans - Federal Versus Private Loan Consolidation

Student loan consolidation can be used by student or parent borrowers to combine their multiple education loans into one loan with one monthly payment. As any student can take either federal or private student loans, he or she can also take a federal or private consolidation loan to make the education debt more manageable.

Both federal and private student loans offer significant benefits, but federal loans offer borrowers many benefits that don’t come with private loans; for instance: low fixed interest rates, income-based repayment plans, loan forgiveness and deferment options. While some private lenders may offer them too, it usually is associated with some strings attached.

For those reasons, every borrower should always exhaust federal student loans options before considering a private loan. The same advice applies to consolidating student loans – always look at federal consolidation loan first and only if you don’t qualify for a federal loan of it is not the right choice for any reason, and then seek a private consolidation loan.

It is important to remember that a federal student consolidation loan can’t include any private loan. Moreover, if you consolidate your federal student loan into a private consolidation loan, you will lose your federal borrower benefits mentioned above (unless you private lender tries hard to get your business and includes them in the offer).

There are important differences between federal and private student loan consolidation.

First of all, with federal student loan consolidation, you will have a fixed interest rate, while private student loan consolidations are credit-based, which means that your consolidation loan rate will not be locked – it will be variable. So, while you will not have to go through credit check in order to apply for a federal consolidation loan, you will need it to secure a private consolidation loan.

Student loan consolidation rates are determined differently for federal and private consolidations. The interest rates for federal loans are set according to a formula established by federal statue. It’s a fixed rate, based on the weighted average of the interest rates on each of your loans at the time you consolidate, rounded up to the nearest 1/8th of a percent and capped at 8.25%.

As private student loans are not funded by the federal government, they are subject to the terms determined by each individual lender (bank, credit union, other financial institution) and the market competition. In private student consolidation loans a borrower’s credit is the primary factor in the variable interest rate offered to the borrower. As the base for setting the consolidation loan interest rate, the private lenders most often use the Prime rate or the 3-month LIBOR Rate, to which they add a margin. That margin varies from lender to lender and is applied according to the borrower’s credit rating.

With regards to the interest rate on the consolidation loan, it’s typical for both federal and private consolidation loan to include 0.25% rate reduction for automated debit payments.

Repayment of federal student consolidation loans begins within 60 days of the disbursement of the loan, with the payback term ranging from 10 to 30 years, depending on the amount of education debt being repaid and on other debts owned, as well as on the repayment option chosen by the borrower. Private student consolidation loans can also have repayment terms of up to 30 years, although they have fewer repayment options. Usually, repayment begins 30 days from the time your private student consolidation loan is funded.

While the most important factors looked at when deciding about how to consolidate student loans are the interest rates, borrower benefits and the terms of repayment, there are also other significant factors, such as: fees or cost to consolidate, prepayment penalties, loan amount limits, customer service, etc.

There are no fees or application costs whatsoever for processing and providing a federal student consolidation loan. It’s against the law to ask for advance (up-front) fees for arranging a federal education loan or consolidating federal education loans. However, some federal education loans (e.g. the Stafford and PLUS Loans) may require some fees, but they are always deducted from the disbursement check. On the other hand, private lenders may charge fees for application and processing private consolidation loans. Some private lenders charge fees as high as 4% of the principal you owe.

Federal consolidation loan programs don’t require a minimum balance to consolidate student loans; some private lenders require a minimum balance before they consider a borrower’s application for consolidation. That amount varies from lender to lender, but usually is between $5,000-$7,500 in US-issued private education loans.

With both federal private consolidations, there are no penalties for prepayment – all payments in excess of scheduled payments will go directly to principal and that will help to repay your consolidation loan faster.

The application process for consolidation of private student loans differs from the federal consolidation. Sometimes applications for private consolidation loans may be easier to complete (often done online or over the phone). However, it’s worth remembering that federal loans usually have lower interest rates, borrower benefits and better repayment terms than private student loans. Moreover, federal applications for both original loans and consolidation loans require FAFSA, so with the federal consolidation, your application is already partly completed.

Watch the video related to private loan consolidation

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Help answer the question about private loan consolidation

Private student loan consolidation?
My fiance currently has student loans through Sallie Mae and they are a big RIP OFF!! Is there a PRIVATE loan consolidation program that anyone knows of? We can't afford to pay $500 a month just in loans!

About Author

Mary Cala is the Author and Leading Expert on how to consolidate student loans and she blogs about student loan consolidation. If you’d like to learn about how to consolidate student loans, go to Mary Cala’s blog – Consolidation Dept – where she provides tips on consolidating student loans and getting financial aid.

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9 Responses to “How to Consolidate Student Loans – Federal Versus Private Loan Consolidation”
  1. irishman1 says:

    Wells Fargo might be the only one worthwhile these days. Look for ones that have little or no origination fees and have reductions if the money you owe is periodically auto-deposited.

  2. larsonface says:

    i dont know if any i have listed will help or not, but i'll post it anyway.

    i think the first answer was a good post.
    ———–
    try to aim for grants/scholarships more… they are not to be paid back. its confusing sometimes, but just keep applying. Scholarships usually have a 1 or 2 page application, and require an essay. Take your time with the essay, so yours stands out.

    every big (and small) company you see (manufacturer, orgs, corps and groups also) all have grants and scholarships they hand out like candy. Walmart, Kmart, Target, Coke, computer companies etc etc etc

    here are some links with a HUGE list of what is available. some you will need to copy and paste into a new window. also, fastweb (take the time to fill it in) will search databases and get back to you with a list of scholarships you qualify for.

    Also contact all mens, womens associations in your state, they almost always have grants & scholarships. What ever field you are going into, contact the orgs, associations etc for them; Also check with professional organizations related to your career interests, such as the American Bar Association or the American Medical Association. they also always have scholarships. Research and dig, call then write. Its all worth it.

    OVER apply; it doesnt hurt to have too many, and the extra funds can help with housing.

    YOU WILL NEED ADOBE READER:
    (yes, its free)
    http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

    LIST
    http://www.lifebridge.org/gran-list-alph.htm
    http://www.angelfire.com/nj4/njcomputerchick/school.html
    http://www.chrome.org/scholarshiplist.html

    MORE & INFO:
    http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menu-jobs.htm
    http://www.finaid.org/scholarships/other.phtml
    http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/
    http://www.back2college.com/library/scholarships.htm
    http://www.collegeconfidential.com/
    http://college-scholarships.com/
    http://www.statefarm.com/about/part_spos/grants/grants.asp
    http://www.gmsp.org
    http://www.gmsp.org/gmsp_web/(nb5ctd55gavpfi55bb3a3j45)/scholarships.aspx
    http://www.sfa.ufl.edu:16080/scholarshipcafe/
    http://www.edsf.org/scholarshipAwards.cfm
    http://www.fafsaonline.com/
    http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
    http://www.feea.org/
    http://12.46.245.173/cfda/cfda.html
    http://www.salliemae.com/
    http://www.ed.gov/finaid/landing.jhtml
    http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/
    http://www.educationplanner.com/ss/code/Profile1.asp?level=u&region=s&mode=EDIT&sponsor=2859&volume=SS&e&h
    http://www.studentawards.com/
    http://www.collegeanswer.com/index.jsp
    http://www.studentscholarshipsearch.com/
    http://www.studentscholarshipsearch.com/Detailed/Scholarships/Meta_indexes_and_other_scholarship_directories/Women_s_and_Non-traditional_students_scholarships_meta-directory_126.php

    NURSING / CNA
    http://www.scholarships-ar-us.org/grants/nursing.htm
    http://www.dar.org/natsociety/edout_scholar.cfm
    http://nursingworld.org/nursecareer/edfund.htm
    http://www.medi-smart.com/finaid.htm
    http://www.discovernursing.com/nursing-scholarship-search
    http://www.ncaa.org/about/scholarships.html
    http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/DSA/nsl.htm
    http://www.nsna.org/foundation/
    http://www.4cnas.com
    http://www.choosenursing.com/
    http://www.minoritynurse.com/
    http://www.tylenol.com/page.jhtml?id=tylenol/news/subptyschol.inc
    http://www.straightforwardmedia.com/nursing/
    http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/nursing/scholarship/
    http://www.akaeaf.org/programsandinitiatives/

    http://www.schoolsoup.com/
    http://www.blackexcel.org/link4.htm
    http://www.jackierobinson.org/
    http://www.wilsonfund.org/scholarships/scholarships.shtml
    http://www.siemens-foundation.org/TeacherScholarship/
    http://www.childcareservices.org/ps/teach.html
    http://www.act.org/goldwater/yybull.html
    http://www.uncf.org/

    http://www.socxfbi.org/login.asp?reason=denied_empty&script_name=/cgi-alumni/adir2.dll&path_info=/search&sitename=FBI&scroll=10&p=1&S=scholarships&x=0&y=0
    http://www.finaid.org/
    http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/index.jsp
    http://www.actstudent.org/finaid/scholarshipscams.html
    http://www.act.org/recognition/clients.html
    http://www.act.org/kfcscholars/index.html
    http://www.kfcscholars.org/
    http://www.rhodesscholar.org/
    http://www.collegedata.com/
    http://www.fastweb.com/
    http://www.getreadyforcollege.org/gPg.cfm?pageID=139
    http://www.policylink.org/EDTK/AH101/Financing.html#4
    http://www.hud.gov/grants/index.cfm

    BECOMING A TEACHER
    http://www.aft.org/teachers/jft/becoming.htm
    http://www.fseog.com/

    CHILDREN OF MILITARY
    http://www.militaryscholar.org/about/about.shtml
    http://www.mcsf.com/site/c.ivKVLaMTIuG/b.1677655/k.BEA8/Home.htm
    http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm <-do search for ‘scholarships’
    http://www.milspouse.org/Educ/Fund/MilFScholar/
    http://www.aerhq.org/education_dependentchildren.asp

    INTERNSHIPS,
    http://www.fasttrackinternships.com/
    http://www.internprograms.com/
    http://www.brillstreet.com/
    http://ceri.msu.edu/

    DEPENDENCY or NOT
    http://www.salliemae.com/get_student_loan/apply_student_loan/understanding/financial_aid/dependency/

    LOAN FORGIVENESS
    http://www.pheaa.org/loanforgiveness/healthier_futures.shtml
    http://www.aft.org/teachers/jft/loanforgiveness.htm
    http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/cancelstaff.jsp?tab=repaying
    http://www.finaid.org/loans/forgiveness.phtml
    http://www.aessuccess.org/manage/cant_make_payment/Federal_Teacher_Loan_Forgiveness.shtml
    http://www.staffordloan.com/repayment/forgiveness.shtml
    http://www.educationplanner.com/ss/code/Profile1.asp?level=u&region=s&mode=EDIT&sponsor=2859&volume=SS&e&h

    STATUS OF LOAN OR AID
    http://www.nslds.ed.gov/nslds_SA/

    IF YOU DON’T HAVE YOUR PIN yet (for your loan / aid status) apply for one:
    http://www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp

    ESSAY HELP
    http://www.scholarshiphelp.org/
    http://www.gradesaver.com/resources/scholarship.html
    http://www.collegeadmissionsessays.com/
    http://www.nataviguides.com/broke_essay.html
    http://www.princetonreview.com/college/apply/articles/process/essayjump.asp
    http://www.scholarshipessay.us/
    http://www.freschinfo.com/tips-brainstorming.php
    http://www.freschinfo.com/tips-topic.php
    http://essayedge.com/
    http://www.korepetycje.com/Essays_Articles/scholarshipessay.html

    GRANT SCHOLARSHIP SCAM LIST
    (if you find a scam report it here too)
    http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/consumer/media_psas_classads.html

    LOANS
    http://www.acteducationloans.com/
    http://www.finaid.org/loans/educationlenders.phtml
    http://www.financialaid.com/plus/index.cfm?id=plusloans
    http://www.alternativestudentloan.com/
    http://www.parentplusloan.com/
    http://www.financialaidpodcast.com/about/
    http://www.myspace.com/financialaidpodcast
    http://www.FinancialAidPodcast.com

    GRAD LOANS & SCHOLARSHIP
    http://www.gradloans.com/graduate-plus-loan/
    http://www.gfoa.org/services/scholarships.shtml

    DEFAULTED STUDENT LOANS
    http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/DCS/index.html

    CONSOLIDATE LOANS
    http://www.plusloanconsolidator.com/
    http://www.salliemae.com/after_graduation/manage_your_loans/consolidate_student_loans/student_loan_consolidation.htm
    http://www.salliemae.com/content/privateconsolidation/index.html
    http://loanconsolidation.ed.gov/

    RATE MY PROFESSORS
    http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/index.jsp

    INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
    http://www.iefa.org/
    http://www.iefa.org/resources/
    http://educationusa.state.gov/
    http://college-scholarships.com/
    http://www.studyabroad.com/forum/financial_aid.html
    http://www.internationalstudent.com/
    http://www.internationalscholarships.com/
    http://www.internationalstudentloan.com/
    http://www.globalslc.com/
    http://www.edupass.org/finaid/loans.phtml
    http://www.abroadplanet.com/student-loans/the-global-student-loan-corporation/
    http://www.salliemae.com/international/

    HISPANIC SCHOLARSHIPS
    http://www.hsf.net/
    http://www.scholarshipsforhispanics.org/
    http://www.statefarm.com/about/part_spos/grants/hispanic.asp
    http://www.hsfi.org/
    http://scholarships.hispanicfund.org/applications/
    http://www.chci.org/chciyouth/scholarship/scholarship.htm

  3. Alex says:

    Ditto what Bob K said. It's what I plan to do with my private loans – but here's more information for you:

    The Sallie Mae private loan consolidation program started at the end of April. They do a credit check, and depending on your FICO score you can get a rate that starts at prime and then moves up from there if your score is less than perfect. *But*, you can get a cosigner with excellent credit and get a rate closer to prime, and after two years of repayment you can remove the cosigner completely from the loan. The best part is that repayment can be for up to a 30 year term (maybe not for smaller balances, but ask anyway).

    The White Collar Ruckus
    http://whitecollarruckus.libsyn.com

  4. brave.heart says:

    Since these loans are not backed by the government, most private consolidation loans will be credit based, meaning the interest rate will be set based on your credit history, just like the private loans you have now. If you want a lower rate, spend some time getting your credit score as high as possible and/or find a cosigner with good credit. Both can help lower your rate.

  5. esweetie01 says:

    Private student consolidation loans are not guaranteed by the gov't – so they're a much higher risk to the lender. Therefore, they're typically based on the credit history of the borrower. It's unlikely you'd get a significantly different interest rate if you shop around to different lenders.

    What you can do is get your credit in as good shape as possible before you consolidate, and/or find a cosigner with good credit. This can help bring the interest rate down. The rates may *seem* high, but they're probably lower than a typical credit card or car loan rate, plus the interest on them may be deductible on your taxes.

  6. RiffRaff524 says:

    Debt consolidation
    http://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/debtconsolidation.asp

  7. I hate them I hate them….. big time. Call them up and see if you can make smaller payments for a longer period of time. It might help you out, then cut mine down to 150 a month. Also go on fast web.com and apply for grants and scholarships. That might help. Good luck with sallie mae. They are tough but tell them that you can't do it. They might even cut it down to 300, but it's much better. Good Luck

  8. RiffRaff524 says:

    Do some serious research. Student Loans are hurting people beyond belief. There is plenty of free money, even a few years in the military is a better alternative. Here is an article from CNN/Money magazine:

    Student loans – a life sentence
    Forget about getting married and buying a home. This generation is thinking about next month's payment.
    By Christian Zappone, CNNMoney.com staff writer
    May 1, 2006: 4:25 PM EDT
    NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) – Mayrose Wegmann, 25, should have been starting on her dream career as a political consultant by now. And saving toward her first home.
    Instead, Wegmann, who graduated with a degree in political science and journalism from the University of Iowa in 2004 and moved to Washington, D.C., is working at a non-profit because it pays significantly more than entry-level politics work. And she won't even consider buying a home for several more years.
    In fact, she won't consider much except how to meet the $300 a month she owes on her $34,000 student loan balance.
    "The school debt makes you decide [about your career] based on the money factor. Not based on what you want to do," said Wegmann.
    The Class of 2006, set to graduate this month, will soon be in the same boat.
    Approximately two-thirds of all students use loans to pay for their higher education, according to the Center for Economic and Policy Research. The average debt is $15,500 for public schools and $24,600 for private – many students rack up even more on their credit cards.
    Call it a reverse dowry: college debt diverts careers and delays or impedes graduates' plans to get married, buy a home or even to start a family. The effects can last years.
    A 22-year old student graduating this year who consolidates their $40,000 loan at 6.125 percent will need to pay $243 a month…until they're 52. By that time, they will have paid $47,494 in interest alone.
    A reverse dowry
    "My student loan debt is my biggest source of stress in my life at the moment," said Steve Desroches, a 2002 graduate from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. "I live paycheck to paycheck."
    The degree left Desroches, who works for a newspaper on Cape Cod, $50,000 in debt with no savings. He's unable to buy a needed car or to even think about entering Massachusetts's "out of control" real estate market.
    The repayments were so financially restrictive he briefly considered declaring bankruptcy, until he learned it wouldn't affect his student loans because they're federally guaranteed.
    "My feelings about my degree now? My graduate education was invaluable [to my career], but it wasn't worth $50,000, or more accurately, it isn't worth the debt. My options are definitely limited."
    Christine Moellenberndt of Sacramento, California has given up on the idea of owning a home, at least anytime in the next 10-15 years. She graduated last June from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a degree in anthropology, and moved back in with her mother when she realized not doing so would mean living paycheck to paycheck with no chance of paying down her debts.
    "That $675 I could be spending in rent could also be a good chunk of a credit card payment, or a huge payment for my student loans. I see that as a bit of a better investment than living on my own and struggling paycheck to paycheck."
    Moellenberndt says at least half her monthly income working at a state regulatory agency goes to pay off her $18k in federal student loans. And although the debt is daunting, her plans to become a community college professor call for an advanced degree…hiking her debt in the future.
    A growing issue for the economy and society
    The cumulative effect of such student debt on graduates is unclear, although few would argue that its impact will be positive for the graduates, the economy or society.
    "We've never done this to a generation of young people before," said Dr. Heather Boushey, Senior Economist at the progressive Center for Economic and Policy Research. "We've never put a generation in their 20s in debt they can't get out of before they started their work life."
    "The normal approach in any healthy society is to help young married couples get started in life through marital gifts, dowries, and the like," Allan Carlson of the socially-conservative Howard Center for Family, Religion, and Society said.
    "We now burden many young adults with student debt, sometimes massive in nature; the price being paid includes marriages delayed or foregone and fewer children. This is foolish public policy."

  9. David L says:

    You have an awesome credit rating so should have no problem getting the loan on your own.

  10.  
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