NYU Stern Graduate Financial Aid | Federal Loan Consolidation

A consolidation loan allows you to combine several types of federal student loans into a single loan with one monthly repayment and a fixed interest rate. It is often referred to as “refinancing” because all prior loans are paid off and a new loan with new terms and conditions is created.

What kinds of loans can be consolidated?

Most federal education loans are eligible for consolidation. A partial list is below; contact your lender for more information.

You can also consolidate a prior Federal Consolidation Loan into a new Federal Consolidation Loan only if you are consolidating at least one other eligible student loan.

When can I consolidate?

You can get a Federal Consolidation Loan during your grace period, once you’ve entered repayment, or during periods of deferment or forbearance. Typically, it is not advantageous to consolidate loans while still enrolled in school as you may forego some borrower benefits and grace period allotments. 

How can I get a consolidation loan?

Federal loans may be consolidated into a new, single loan with a fixed interest rate. For further details, please visit Federal Student Aid.

The Direct Consolidation Loan Application can be found at www.studentaid.gov.

What’s the interest rate on a consolidation loan?

The interest rate for a consolidation loan is a fixed rate for the life of the loan. So, once you consolidate, your rate will not change, regardless of what future rates might be. The fixed rate is based on the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans you consolidate, rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of 1%. There is no cap on the interest rate of a Direct Consolidation Loan.

Are there any disadvantages to getting a consolidation loan?

Yes, there could be. Consolidation significantly increases the total cost of repaying your loans. Because you can have a longer period of time to repay, you’ll make more payments and pay more interest. In fact, consolidation can double total interest expense. So, compare the cost of repaying your unconsolidated loans with the cost of repaying a consolidation loan.

Consider whether you lose any borrower benefits if you consolidate, such as interest rate discounts or principal rebates—these can significantly reduce the cost of repaying your loans. Also, you might lose some discharge (cancellation) benefits if you include a Federal Perkins Loan.

Once made, consolidation loans cannot be unmade because the loans that were consolidated have been paid off and no longer exist. Take the time to study your consolidation options carefully before you apply, and talk to the holder of your loans for more information before you consolidate.

Source: Federal Student Aid