Student Loan Options
Federal student loan consolidation is a government program that allows borrowers to combine multiple eligible federal student loans into one new loan, called a Direct Consolidation Loan.
The program is offered through the U.S. Department of Education and is designed to simplify student loan repayment.
Instead of managing several loans with different balances, interest rates, and payment dates, borrowers can have one loan with one monthly payment.
Major benefits of federal student loan consolidation
1. Potentially lower monthly payments
Borrowers may qualify for a longer repayment period or an income-driven repayment plan, potentially reducing their monthly payment.
2. One convenient monthly payment
Multiple eligible federal loans become one loan, simplifying payment management.
3. Fixed interest rate
The new rate is calculated using the weighted average of the loans being consolidated, rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of 1%.
4. Access to certain federal repayment benefits
Consolidation may make some loan types eligible for additional federal repayment plans or forgiveness programs, depending on current rules.
5. Help with certain defaulted loans
Eligible borrowers may use consolidation as a way to resolve a federal student loan default, subject to program requirements.