College seniors and recent graduates should take the time to review their student loan status. An education at a university is very expensive and it is not uncommon for a recent graduate to find that their student loan debt has exceeded $50,000. This means that the student or graduate will be paying large monthly payments for many years to come. In addition most students have acquired more than one student loan through the course of their education. Student loan payments can be a problem when you first enter the job market as entry level jobs are relatively low paying.
If you do have multiple student loans then it might be wise to seek some student loan consolidation advice. Student loan consolidation is not for everyone and not everyone will qualify for a debt consolidation loan. In most cases you must apply for a student loan consolidation loan with the student loan provider that holds your current student loans. It is a good idea to visit the financial aid office at your university as they frequently will have the best student loan consolidation advice.
In general the main benefits of a student debt consolidation loan are:
Lower Monthly Payments: In general student loans must be paid off within 10 years or less. If you use a federal student consolidation loan to consolidate all your loans you can in some cases extend the life of the loan to 30 years. This will of course lower your monthly payment as much as 60 percent. The reduced payments are very important when you first enter the job market because salaries are generally low. The reduce payments will allow you to pay your bills and get established in the community. As you earn additional income you should make increase the amount you pay each month. This will result in considerable savings over the life of loan.
Interest Rate Reduction or Flexibility: Federal student loan consolidation loans will in many cases have several interest rate options to select from. These include income sensitive rates, fixed rates and adjustable rates. Income adjustable rates and payments will vary according to how much money you earn. Again this can be an attractive option when entering the job market. You really need to take the time and do a good job of research before you apply for your student consolidation loan. Failure to do so may have long term consequences. Again seek good student loan consolidation advice from your university financial aid office.
Single Loan Payment: Making multiple loan payments each month can be a problem especially if the due dates are spread throughout the month. This makes debt management somewhat harder and more open to errors and missed payments. Obviously a single payment on a date you choose is a much better option.
Your student loan provider and financial aid office can tell you which student loans are eligible for consolidation. In general eligibility requirements include:
The entire student loan debt must exceed $20,000.
All loans must be in good standing and not in default.
Loans to be consolidated may be in deferment or repayment.
University attendance and application date requirements must be met.
Student loan consolidation can be a good way to lower your monthly payments and reduce the amount of student loan debt paid over time. An important key is to seek sound student loan consolidation advice well ahead of graduation. Doing a good job of research may save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.