Why Student Loan Consolidation?

Why Student Loan Consolidation? Due to the rising cost of higher education, a large number of students have been forced to finance their education by getting student or education loans. While student loans are easy to get and come with the cheapest rates of interest, paying them off is not so easy for the vast majority of students who find themselves facing mountains of student loan debt.
People generally find it tough to pay back student loans because the loan installments are not calculated keeping in mind other types of student loan debt. Most students also accumulate a number of other loans like huge credit card bills and car loan, which also require financing upon graduation. The best way of getting out of this kind of debt trap is to go in for student loan consolidation. A student loan consolidation program can be a lifesaver for a student and can totally turnaround a negative student loan debt situation to one of good fortune.
There is no logical reason not to seek out student loan consolidation. By finding a student loan consolidation program that meets their personal student loan debt needs, students can avoid defaulting on payments which will leave a permanent red mark on life long credit history. This would make it difficult to get any kind of financing when necessary in the future. On the other hand, by undertaking student loan consolidation, there is the opportunity to easily reduce student loan debt or in some cases eliminate the student loan debt while obviously at the same time streamlining finances and budget. Most student loan consolidation programs also offer credit counseling, which will help you in managing your finances wisely in the future.
The student loan consolidation company pays off all of the student loan debt. This means that the student loan consolidation program payment will be the only payment obligation and can be paid off in easy monthly installments. Students have the option to pay back student loan consolidation charges over a period ten to thirty years. With student loan consolidation, student loan debt has been reduced or eliminated with future obligations becoming due at a time when more earning power is likely. To apply online for student loan consolidation where student loan debt lenders compete and where students can lower their monthly student loan debt payment up to 70 %, students visit: Studentdebtconsolidationprograms.com
Student loan consolidation programs are presented with the goal of reducing student loan debt with students in mind.
Watch the video related to student loan
Default: The Student Loan Documentary is a feature-length documentary chronicling the stories of borrowers from different backgrounds affected by the private student lending industry and their struggles to change the system. In 2005 private student loans were exempted of ALL consumer protections. No matter when their loans were taken, many borrowers now find themselves in a paralyzing predicament of repaying two, three or multiple times the original amount borrowed, with no bankruptcy …
Help answer the question about student loan
Is student loan still tax deductable when refinancing a student loan with a personal loan?My daughter has two very high interest student loans. Her credit won't let her do anything, but I can "refinance" it with me getting the loan using my credit. But is it still a "student" loan that she can deduct. She is making the payments and her name will be also on the loan (ironically, she will co-sign for me). This seems to be some gray area once the loan gets moved around. Just want to make sure the "chain of custody" still makes the new loan interest tax deductable. Hope this made sense and thanks for your help.
About Author
Jay Rosenthal is the author of this article on Student debt consolidation. Find more information about Student Loan Debt here.
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By MB2008, June 16, 2009 @ 2:34 am
I'm not sure you can consolidate your loans if you are still in school. Are these government loans or private loans? If government, are any of them subsidized loans? If they are, this means they are interest free until you graduate and consolidating might affect that.
Consolidation is a way of locking in a lower interest rate for the life of the loan, and many companies offer bonuses like cash back for 1.25% of the loan after 24-months of payments. Interest rates on loans vary as the economy varies. By consolidating, you lock in the current rate forever. With current rates being close to 8%, I would not recommend consolidating at this time. When rates FINALLY go back down to 6 or 7%, you will be stuck at 8%. Unless you hear that rates are suddenly jumping to 12% in 3-months, hold off.
By zeb120, June 16, 2009 @ 3:27 am
ISLAM orders and FIXES a NO INTEREST system.
The downfall of WEST is its interest drven economy.
By irishman1, June 16, 2009 @ 3:43 am
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.
By zeb120, June 16, 2009 @ 4:07 am
They just threaten people with mental tension and they never take it back but only keep increasing the imaginery paper figures.
By Cosmetic Counter, June 16, 2009 @ 4:46 am
The federal consolidation loan has a fixed interest rate, based on the weighted average of the interest rates of the student loans being consolidated, excluding Health Education Assistance Loans (HEALs), rounded up to the nearest 0.125% or 8.25%, whichever is less.
The weighted-average interest rate calculation is based on the official interest rates for the student loans being consolidated, exclusive of any borrower benefit or other special rate discounts.
By law, all lenders are required to use the same interest rate formula for federal consolidation loans. Instead, you should consider customer service, flexible repayment options, online account access and applications, reputation and industry experience when selecting a lender.
By larsonface, June 16, 2009 @ 9:10 am
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®ion=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®ion=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
By Windy, June 17, 2009 @ 12:27 pm
Your chances are prob pretty good to consolidate federal student loans. Don't consolidate federal student loans in any non-student loan consolidation loans, your interest rate will likely be higher and the interest you pay would no longer be tax deduct able.
By rd2sactown, June 17, 2009 @ 1:38 pm
The best college to go to is community college. Period. I regretted leaving CC to attend a private school and I am paying for it. The schools never helps people find a job.
By redcomusic, June 18, 2009 @ 12:23 am
private message me. i can teach you how to eliminate MOST of your debts. and/or rehabilitate a student loan gone bad.
By complicatedtallblonde, June 18, 2009 @ 12:35 am
Thx for serving our country (soon to be). Honestly I would never consolidate with anyone other then the FED. Consider this, if you want to go back to school they will defer your repayment, a bank won't. With the FED you don't need a cosigner. If anything were to happen to you your co-signer would be responsible for your debt, but with a federal loan it would be zeroed out. If you have automatic withdrawls the fed will deduct I think .25 or.50% off your interest and plus they will take a few k $$$$ off your loans for making payments on time for 4yrs or something. The fed also has a repayment plan that goes off your income, odds are 1/2 that it will work for you. They have good programs, check into them. And w/ a federal loan you also get a 6 month grace period before you have to start repayment.
If your going into the Navy and you have a degree I would hope your going to be an officer, they should be paying off your loans for you anyway. Those sneaky lil bastards, you can tell your recruiter you will go to the Air Force if they don't pay off your loans. I do not know your situation, but if your degree will be used in military service to fulfill your duties, they better pay that off for you!!
Hope this helps and GL.
By blueyedwoman2006, June 18, 2009 @ 5:03 am
Generally, a consolidation loan lumps all your student loans into a new loan, with up to 30 years to pay back and a fixed interest rate. It really makes it easy if you have student loans scattered across different lenders/servicers.
The key word in your statement is 'up to $2000', if you have a lower balance, you probably will not get that much as a credit. Yes, you would get a credit, not cash back.
And if you do get 'up to $2000', believe me, you will pay for it eventually. There's no such thing as a free lunch (imo).
By redcomusic, June 18, 2009 @ 7:15 am
you can try consolidating them through US dept of education’s direct loan program. they’ll buy it all out and you pay only 1 loan with a renewed lower interest. and you get your credit cleaned up.
By BunnyHanyou, June 18, 2009 @ 8:13 am
Thankfully I got AWESOME aid! And I have a fulltime job and go to school fulltime, to pay off some of my loans. : ).
Im a junior and only have 10,000 in loans not that much, HAZZAH!
By diktaytor, June 18, 2009 @ 8:56 am
we’re behind you 100% serge
By Dirk L, June 18, 2009 @ 2:55 pm
All of my student loans were through Citibank initially, and last year I consolidated through them. They gave me a 5% interest rate which I think is very reasonable. They have also been very helpful on the phone when I had questions and they have never adjusted my interest rates without informing me first. Their website is http://www.studentloan.com and I would recommend them highly.
By esweetie01, June 18, 2009 @ 9:22 pm
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.
By tuttt99, June 19, 2009 @ 12:24 am
You must have went to RPI…
By waverly2468, June 19, 2009 @ 11:21 am
These are all relevant comments now that Calif. is broke and fees at Cal-State universities have gone up 30% this year. High school guidance counselors (if they care) should be honest and tell students that maybe college is a RIPOFF and you might be better off working at Best Buy and Burger King and not being a fugitive from Sallie Mae for the rest of your life. Some degrees like computer science will be obsolete in just a few years.