The Benefits of Student Loan Consolidation

Student Loan Consolidation

Student loan debt is a big worry for many people like yourself. While college is a great tool, it is expensive and loans eventually must be repaid. Looming debt can keep you from purchasing a home, starting a family or following your dreams. However, there are options to help alleviate the stress that these loans cause while still allowing you to work towards the ultimate goal of paying the balance off entirely. Discover the benefits of student loan consolidation, and find out if it could be the right solution for you.

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Simplify Your Payments

If you attended school for more than a semester or two, it is likely that you wound up working with more than one lender to pay for all of your classes. While it was likely a necessary evil to make sure your education was paid for, it has left you with numerous bills each month. Student loan consolidation means that you will have only one payment to one lender-reducing the payment hassle.

May Lower Your Monthly Payment

In many cases, a consolidated student loan can reduce the total amount that you will be responsible for each month. With everything else you need to do, and want to do, lowering this payment is an excellent way to free up money in your budget.

Repayment Based on Income

Borrowers who choose student debt consolidation have multiple plans for repayment available to them. These plans include repayment options based on income. If you initially obtained a loan before attending school, you had no idea what to expect regarding your future (post-school) income. Now, you know what you are earning. Your consolidated loan will better fit your budget.

No Minimum or Maximum

When you look at some lending options, you may find that maximums or minimums prevent you from taking advantage. Since this is a debt consolidation or restructuring, rather than a new loan, there is no maximum or minimum to worry about in this case.

Many People Qualify

Qualifying for student loan consolidation is easier than you may think. Borrowers must have one or more “Direct Loan” or Federal Family Education Loan”. This loan must be in the grace period or repayment status. Additionally, borrowers can consolidate most defaulted federal student loans.

The Options are Endless

Consolidating your loan can keep you out of default, make payment simpler and help keep your monthly payments at a reasonable level. But it’s important to realize that your options are endless. In many cases, you will be able to change your repayment plan at a later date if your economic situation changes or if you wind up with another loan that qualifies for consolidation.

As you can see, there are many benefits to student loan consolidation and more options than ever for doing so. If you are struggling with your loans and wonder if there is a better way, perhaps consolidation is the answer. Spend some time researching the consolidation options and reach out to an expert to learn more.

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The Benefits of a Direct Consolidation Loan and Your Eligibility

Student Loan Consolidation

Do you lose track of monthly bills and payment schedules? A Direct Consolidation Loan makes it easy to manage your finances and borrowers may even save money. Get organized and stay on top of monthly payments with the additional payment options offered through a Direct Consolidation Loan. Learn about what qualifying individuals receive from a Direct Consolidation Loan.

How You Benefit from a Direct Consolidation Loan

Work with the U.S. Department of education to organize and manage your finances. A Direct Consolidation Loan offers:

  • The ability to transform one or more Federal education loans into a single loan with more advantages. You will have only one lender for your new Direct Consolidation Loan that can account for multiple Federal education loans.
  • Flexible repayment plans to choose from and the ability to switch plans at any time. There are plans that adjust the monthly payment on a borrower’s income. These plans are created to meet your changing needs.
  • Free consolidation. There is no fee or minimum amount required to qualify.
  • The potential to pay less on monthly payments. A borrower’s monthly payment may be lowered as the minimum monthly payment on direct consolidation loans can be lower than combined payments on a borrower’s Federal education loans. You can make necessary payments on a Direct Consolidation Loan and pay less.
  • Continuation of subsidy benefits from subsidized loans. A Direct Consolidation Loan is composed of 2 possible areas: Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Subsidy benefits continue for most subsidized loans that are rolled into the subsidized area of this loan.

FFEL Loans, PLUS Loans, Perkins Loans and some health profession loans may be consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan with some exceptions or additional terms. A single payment that can potentially be less than current multiple loan payments and be aligned with your budget is available with a Direct Consolidation Loan for those that qualify.

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How to Determine Eligibility

Certain requirements must be met to afford potential borrowers the ability to exchange their multiple loans with multiple lenders to one payment with the U.S. Department of Education. For those that seek to apply for a Direct Consolidation Loan, they must have meet the following criteria:

  • Have a minimum of one Direct Loan or FFEL (Federal Family Education Loan) Loan in grace or repayment status. Repayment status also covers loans in a forbearance or deferment period.
  • Make satisfactory repayment arrangements with current loan holders on the majority of defaulted federal education loans or agree to repay them with an Income Contingent Repayment Plan or Income Based Repayment Plan under their new Direct Consolidation Loan.

Some situations are not accepted for Direct Loan Consolidation. Any loans in in-school status are not eligible. Those that are married cannot consolidate individual Federal education loans into one Direct Consolidation Loan listing them as joint borrowers.

What are the Payment Plan Options

The Direct Consolidation Loan has 5 repayment plans available. Each plan has its own set terms, but borrowers can choose to change plans as needed. Borrowers can select the:

  • Standard Repayment Plan
  • Graduated Repayment Plan
  • Extended Repayment Plan
  • Income Contingent Repayment Plan (ICR) and
  • Income-Based Repayment Plan (IBR).

Borrowers have a range of options that can suit their individual needs and budgets. Manage your student debt with A Direct Consolidation Loan.

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