Lower monthly payments
By combining, or “consolidating”, all of your student loans together, you only need to pay one loan every month instead of several; thus, your monthly payment is decreased.
Pay only one loan monthly instead of several student loans monthly
It’s much easier to manage one student loan instead of several with varying payment due dates. Furthermore, you might end up forgetting to pay just one student loan.
Low, fixed interest rate
By consolidating your student loans, you’ll be able to acquire advantages of low, fixed rates of interest. At this time, by law, student loan consolidation rates cannot go over 8.25%. In addition, national interest rates are at a 40-year low–a real great time to acquire a student loan consolidation.
No credit card check or processing fees
You won’t need to do a credit card check to complete a student loan consolidation application. The payment schedules/plans and terms/conditions are usually flexible because they can tailor it to your financial standing.
Make monthly student loan payment electronically
Whilst it’s not a requirement to make payment electronically, most loaners will subtract 0.25% off your student loan rates if you do your payments electronically. In addition, using debit from your bank account will prevent you from forgetting to make a payment.
Sometimes one can get quite confused as to the qualification of applying for a student loan consolidation. The government insists that students who are currently in their grace period, or who are still studying in school, might qualify for government student loan consolidation
The government student loan consolidation these days are competitive compared to private sector; henceforth, I’d recommend going for a government student loan consolidation. With so many benefits of getting a student loan consolidation, it is quite obvious to save money in the long run.
Friday, February 11, 2011
SOME BENEFITS OF CONSOLIDATION
Many students have problems paying their loans as they find it hard to get a job after graduating. Also, the tuition costs may be a little too big for what you can handle.
The boarding, tuition and lodging fees can be expensive and the loan debt can increase substantially. There are many college loan providers that are doing just that: providing some financial assistance for the students that have problems returning the loan debts or getting the loan.
There are some solutions at hand that you can also look into it. One nice solution is to consolidate the loan debt that you have as a student. This procedure is rather new and has been used in the last few years with a lot of success. If you can consolidate the loan into one major piece of debt, for a certain interest rate, then you will not have to go through the same pressure and hassle like in the first place.
This means that you will have to pay the entire loan that you got using the loan provider. In this case the interest rate build up will be eliminated. Also, not to mention the fact that the payment period is much extended.
These are some of the benefits of consolidating your loan and you can work with that easily. There are also many companies that like to support students in consolidating their loans and they have very good rules and regulations. Many of them give credit to perseverant students. In this case it is not hard to receive such a college loan. It is easy if you get informed first and you are perseverant.
One other great news is the fact that there are many consolidation programs that are financed by private organizations and even by the government. Of course, the programs supported by the government have a better rate and they are more affordable than the private ones. Sure, they have stricter rules but that does not mean they are impossible to get.
The government will offer financial assistance to a lot of students. These are some of the reasons why consolidating your student loan is a good idea. It will allow you to manage your money much easier and to eliminate the financial stress.
The boarding, tuition and lodging fees can be expensive and the loan debt can increase substantially. There are many college loan providers that are doing just that: providing some financial assistance for the students that have problems returning the loan debts or getting the loan.
There are some solutions at hand that you can also look into it. One nice solution is to consolidate the loan debt that you have as a student. This procedure is rather new and has been used in the last few years with a lot of success. If you can consolidate the loan into one major piece of debt, for a certain interest rate, then you will not have to go through the same pressure and hassle like in the first place.
This means that you will have to pay the entire loan that you got using the loan provider. In this case the interest rate build up will be eliminated. Also, not to mention the fact that the payment period is much extended.
These are some of the benefits of consolidating your loan and you can work with that easily. There are also many companies that like to support students in consolidating their loans and they have very good rules and regulations. Many of them give credit to perseverant students. In this case it is not hard to receive such a college loan. It is easy if you get informed first and you are perseverant.
One other great news is the fact that there are many consolidation programs that are financed by private organizations and even by the government. Of course, the programs supported by the government have a better rate and they are more affordable than the private ones. Sure, they have stricter rules but that does not mean they are impossible to get.
The government will offer financial assistance to a lot of students. These are some of the reasons why consolidating your student loan is a good idea. It will allow you to manage your money much easier and to eliminate the financial stress.
CONSOLIDATION OF STUDENTS LOAN
There are a few ways for students to find relief from debt – for example by the consolidation of student loans. If you are in over your head in student loans, you should be aware that there are several options for the consolidation of student loans.
However, to get started, you must work out the amount of your loan and the types of loans you have. Next, you should contact the lenders or college financial agents and request a loan cessation. If you are over your head in debt, then this is a better solution to your problems than the consolidation of your student loans.
But, if that doesn’t work and you fail to seek the consolidation of your student loans, then you are at risk of lawsuits, tax refund losses and the possibly of wage garnishes. Again, whether or not you can ask for a cancellation of the student loans will be depend on the type of student loans you took out, when they were issued, and for how much they were issued.
While it is not likely, some schools issue loans fraudulently. If this is true in your case, then you can demand a cancellation of the loan. Also, if you suffered from an accident or became ill and the injuries or sickness have disabled you for life, then you can ask for a cancellation on the loan too.
Military personnel and members of some particular organizations qualify for a cancellation of student loans also. If you are able to get the loan dropped, imagine the money you will have to restore your creditworthiness and eliminate your other debts too.
Finally, if you have kept up your monthly installments with good faith until times got hard, you may qualify for a postponement of payments. This is called a deferment request.
The student loan lenders may present you with the “forbearance” option if you request a deferment. The “forbearance” means that the lenders will reduce your student loan repayments temporarily until you are back on top of your debt problem.
As a student, you have numerous ways to manage your debts if you are currently in over your head. Do not assume that there is no solution; instead, spend your time researching the consolidation of student loans options instead of worrying.
However, to get started, you must work out the amount of your loan and the types of loans you have. Next, you should contact the lenders or college financial agents and request a loan cessation. If you are over your head in debt, then this is a better solution to your problems than the consolidation of your student loans.
But, if that doesn’t work and you fail to seek the consolidation of your student loans, then you are at risk of lawsuits, tax refund losses and the possibly of wage garnishes. Again, whether or not you can ask for a cancellation of the student loans will be depend on the type of student loans you took out, when they were issued, and for how much they were issued.
While it is not likely, some schools issue loans fraudulently. If this is true in your case, then you can demand a cancellation of the loan. Also, if you suffered from an accident or became ill and the injuries or sickness have disabled you for life, then you can ask for a cancellation on the loan too.
Military personnel and members of some particular organizations qualify for a cancellation of student loans also. If you are able to get the loan dropped, imagine the money you will have to restore your creditworthiness and eliminate your other debts too.
Finally, if you have kept up your monthly installments with good faith until times got hard, you may qualify for a postponement of payments. This is called a deferment request.
The student loan lenders may present you with the “forbearance” option if you request a deferment. The “forbearance” means that the lenders will reduce your student loan repayments temporarily until you are back on top of your debt problem.
As a student, you have numerous ways to manage your debts if you are currently in over your head. Do not assume that there is no solution; instead, spend your time researching the consolidation of student loans options instead of worrying.
Tips for Student Loan Consolidation
- Lower monthly payments. Student loan consolidation provides a longer repayment term, which in turn lowers your monthly payment. This will free-up more money to use for other expenses such as rent or mortgage payments, food and car expenses, utility expenses, and credit card payments. Depending on your total balance, you could reduce your monthly payments up to 53%. Because there are no penalties for early or extra repayment, you can make larger payments when it becomes affordable to.
- Lock in a low fixed interest rate. Currently, unconsolidated federal student loans have a variable interest rate which changes each year on July 1st based on the Treasury bill. By consolidating your student loans, you can lock in a fixed interest rate for the life of your loan.
- Customize a payment plan. By consolidating your student loans, you'll have the opportunity to choose a payment plan that best fits your current income level. Plans such as the Graduated Repayment Plan start out for the first several years as a lower interest only payment, and then increase to a level repayment plan. This plan is helpful for those who need payment relief right out of school, while they look for a job and get established.
- One payment per month. By consolidating, you eliminate the need to make multiple monthly payments to each of your federal lenders. With all of your loans combined, you will only need to write one check each month.
- Maintain your deferment and interest subsidy benefits. Because federal student loan consolidation is simply a new federal loan, you will not lose your loan deferment and forbearance benefits. Additionally, you will maintain your interest subsidy benefits on any subsidized FFELP or subsidized Direct loans that you consolidate.
- Help your credit. Consolidation takes all of your existing federal student loans, pays them off in full, and combines them into one new loan. Instead of having multiple open loans with limited payment history, you will have just one loan. Your older student loans will be listed as paid in full. In a nutshell, consolidation helps eliminate open lines of credit.
Types of Student Loans
Students and families are often confused with the variety of options available when it comes to financing a college education. There are a myriad of options, from college scholarships and grants to federal and private student loans.
As part of the Higher Education Act of 1965, President Lyndon Johnson created a law which was intended "to strengthen the education resources of our college and universities and to provide financial assistance for students in postsecondary and higher education." This increased all sources of federal funding provided to universities and added in grants and other forms of financial aid, including new student loan programs.�
The first federal loan, federal Stafford Loan, is available to both undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at least half-time at a college or university accepting federal aid. This is a need-based program in which undergraduates may borrow up to $5,500 per year in subsidized funds based on academic level and graduate level students may borrow up to $18,500 per year (up to $8,500 in subsidized funds and the remainder in unsubsidized funds). The funds are sent directly to the school and are applied to the student's account. To ease the financial burden, payments are not required until six months after the student graduates.
While a federal Stafford Loan is certainly a necessary start, it doesn't always cover the entire cost of education. A Parent PLUS Loan is a common way that parents contribute to their child's education. This credit-based loan allows parents to borrow the total cost of undergraduate education including tuition, room and board, supplies, college fees and more, minus any other aid received. Once the loan has been put into the student's account at the school, repayment begins shortly thereafter, at which time the student loan consolidation process can be performed. At a fixed interest rate, the Parent PLUS loan is an easy and cost effective solution to help bridge the gap between Stafford Loan funding and the cost of education.
For many years, graduate students were only given Stafford Loans as a federal loan option for funding their often costly education. The difference was made up through home equity, savings, salaries and private loans. However, the Graduate PLUS Loan is a new product that became available to graduate students in 2006. Graduate students with good credit can apply on their own signature for a loan up to the cost of education, minus any other aid received. The Graduate PLUS loan can be applied to tuition, room and board, education supplies, lab and travel expenses. The interest rate is fixed and payments are not required while enrolled in school. Or a student may save even more by consolidating this loan using the federal loan consolidation program. The Graduate PLUS loan truly provides graduate students with a great option to making their graduate education dreams a reality.
The Perkins Loan is another federal loan available to both undergraduate and graduate students offered on the basis of financial need, other aid received and availability of funds at each school. The federal government lends schools funds for distribution to its neediest students. The school, therefore, is the lender, and undergraduates may be awarded up to $4,000/year and graduates may be awarded up to $6,000/year. These loans need to be repaid directly to the school and have a fixed 5% interest rate since the program was started. Students can take advantage of a nine-month grace period and a ten-year repayment term. However, if consolidated with any existing federal student loan, including Stafford or Graduate PLUS loans, this can extend the repayment term. Consolidation has been mentioned a few times and it's really in the best interest of students to take advantage of this upon graduation. Each federal loan, on its own, has a 10 year repayment term, regardless of total loan debt. Consolidation fixed the interest rate and extends the repayment term, allowing more time to repay an often hefty federal loan debt.
Named for Senator Claiborne Pell, the Pell Grant was established to provide funds that don't need to be repaid directly to the neediest students. This is because it is a grant and not a federal stafford loan. However, like the Stafford and Perkins Loan, eligibility is based on need, as determined by the cost of attendance and expected family contribution. Since 2003, the maximum Pell Grant award has been $4,050 per academic year. However, due to the rising cost of education, many question why the Pell Grant award has not also increased. The Pell Grant covers, on average, one-third of the yearly cost of education at a public four-year institution. However, twenty years ago, it covered close to 60%. On February 15, 2007, in an attempt to slowly combat this issue, President Bush signed legislation into law that would increase the Pell Grant to $4,310 for the 2007-08 academic year. The following year, the grant will increase to $4,600 and up to $5,400 by the year 2012. These advances are certainly helping students and families fund the cost of education, especially as tuition costs continue to rise
Private students loan have gained popularity over recent years as federal funding hasn't quite met the entire cost of education. There are many other costs associated with education, besides just tuition. Commuting students need to cover transportation costs somehow. City campuses don't always guarantee housing, which forces students to find an off-campus apartment, often with high rent costs. There are costly textbooks to purchase, lab supplies and flights home that aren't always covered by traditional financial aid. Private loans originate to students by a bank or other financial institution, unlike federal loans. Private students loan also offer similar benefits to students as a federal loan, such as deferred payment until graduation, different repayment terms, and borrower benefits. The interest rates on private loans vary from company to company and are, usually, on a basis of credit. Co-signers are a great way for a student who may have limited or no credit at all to get this loan. Because of the varying private loans available, most parents and families "shop around" until they find their ideal solution.
As part of the Higher Education Act of 1965, President Lyndon Johnson created a law which was intended "to strengthen the education resources of our college and universities and to provide financial assistance for students in postsecondary and higher education." This increased all sources of federal funding provided to universities and added in grants and other forms of financial aid, including new student loan programs.�
The first federal loan, federal Stafford Loan, is available to both undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at least half-time at a college or university accepting federal aid. This is a need-based program in which undergraduates may borrow up to $5,500 per year in subsidized funds based on academic level and graduate level students may borrow up to $18,500 per year (up to $8,500 in subsidized funds and the remainder in unsubsidized funds). The funds are sent directly to the school and are applied to the student's account. To ease the financial burden, payments are not required until six months after the student graduates.
While a federal Stafford Loan is certainly a necessary start, it doesn't always cover the entire cost of education. A Parent PLUS Loan is a common way that parents contribute to their child's education. This credit-based loan allows parents to borrow the total cost of undergraduate education including tuition, room and board, supplies, college fees and more, minus any other aid received. Once the loan has been put into the student's account at the school, repayment begins shortly thereafter, at which time the student loan consolidation process can be performed. At a fixed interest rate, the Parent PLUS loan is an easy and cost effective solution to help bridge the gap between Stafford Loan funding and the cost of education.
For many years, graduate students were only given Stafford Loans as a federal loan option for funding their often costly education. The difference was made up through home equity, savings, salaries and private loans. However, the Graduate PLUS Loan is a new product that became available to graduate students in 2006. Graduate students with good credit can apply on their own signature for a loan up to the cost of education, minus any other aid received. The Graduate PLUS loan can be applied to tuition, room and board, education supplies, lab and travel expenses. The interest rate is fixed and payments are not required while enrolled in school. Or a student may save even more by consolidating this loan using the federal loan consolidation program. The Graduate PLUS loan truly provides graduate students with a great option to making their graduate education dreams a reality.
The Perkins Loan is another federal loan available to both undergraduate and graduate students offered on the basis of financial need, other aid received and availability of funds at each school. The federal government lends schools funds for distribution to its neediest students. The school, therefore, is the lender, and undergraduates may be awarded up to $4,000/year and graduates may be awarded up to $6,000/year. These loans need to be repaid directly to the school and have a fixed 5% interest rate since the program was started. Students can take advantage of a nine-month grace period and a ten-year repayment term. However, if consolidated with any existing federal student loan, including Stafford or Graduate PLUS loans, this can extend the repayment term. Consolidation has been mentioned a few times and it's really in the best interest of students to take advantage of this upon graduation. Each federal loan, on its own, has a 10 year repayment term, regardless of total loan debt. Consolidation fixed the interest rate and extends the repayment term, allowing more time to repay an often hefty federal loan debt.
Named for Senator Claiborne Pell, the Pell Grant was established to provide funds that don't need to be repaid directly to the neediest students. This is because it is a grant and not a federal stafford loan. However, like the Stafford and Perkins Loan, eligibility is based on need, as determined by the cost of attendance and expected family contribution. Since 2003, the maximum Pell Grant award has been $4,050 per academic year. However, due to the rising cost of education, many question why the Pell Grant award has not also increased. The Pell Grant covers, on average, one-third of the yearly cost of education at a public four-year institution. However, twenty years ago, it covered close to 60%. On February 15, 2007, in an attempt to slowly combat this issue, President Bush signed legislation into law that would increase the Pell Grant to $4,310 for the 2007-08 academic year. The following year, the grant will increase to $4,600 and up to $5,400 by the year 2012. These advances are certainly helping students and families fund the cost of education, especially as tuition costs continue to rise
Private students loan have gained popularity over recent years as federal funding hasn't quite met the entire cost of education. There are many other costs associated with education, besides just tuition. Commuting students need to cover transportation costs somehow. City campuses don't always guarantee housing, which forces students to find an off-campus apartment, often with high rent costs. There are costly textbooks to purchase, lab supplies and flights home that aren't always covered by traditional financial aid. Private loans originate to students by a bank or other financial institution, unlike federal loans. Private students loan also offer similar benefits to students as a federal loan, such as deferred payment until graduation, different repayment terms, and borrower benefits. The interest rates on private loans vary from company to company and are, usually, on a basis of credit. Co-signers are a great way for a student who may have limited or no credit at all to get this loan. Because of the varying private loans available, most parents and families "shop around" until they find their ideal solution.
STUDENTS LOAN
A student loan is designed to help students pay for university tuition, books, and living expenses. It differs from other types of loans in that the interest rate is substantially lower and the repayment schedule is deferred while the student is still in education. Before accepting any kind of student loan, one should be familiar with its basic attributes.
The United States uses a federally guaranteed student loan program to help college students pay for their education. The program allows students to borrow money at a reduced interest rate and defer payment until they are no longer in school. Student loans are generally offered as part of a total financial aid package that may include grants, scholarships, or work study opportunities.
In the United States, there are three types of student loans: two of them are sponsored by the federal government and the other type is private student loans.[1]
Repaying a student loan is different, too. In most cases, payment can be deferred on the principal and the interest until the student is out of school. Repayment typically begins anywhere from six to twelve months after they leave school, regardless of whether or not they complete their degree program. In some cases, repayment begins if course load drops to half time or less, so it is important to check the exact terms and conditions of any student loan.
The student may have multiple options for extending the repayment period, although an extension of the loan term will likely reduce the monthly payment, it will also increase the amount of total interest paid on the principle balance during the life of the loan. Extension options include extended payment periods offered by the original lender and federal loan consolidation. There are also other extension options including income sensitive repayment plans and hardship deferments.
Criticism
The student loan system has also been criticized including by supporters of other systems such as a grant system.
In coverage through established media outlets, many borrowers have expressed feelings of victimization. Common complaints include: feeling like the terms were not clearly described prior to consummation, having monthly payments equal to half of take-home income, wage garnishment by lenders, inability to charge off student debt in the bankruptcy process (as is possible with mortgages and credit card balances) and being crushed by unyielding lenders when befallen by unfortunate life events (such as disability which prevents work) There is a valid comparison between these accounts and the college credit card trend in America during the 2000s, and it could be argued that a similar form of corrective legislation is in order.
It is often more difficult to discharge a student loan in the USA in the case of bankruptcy. The legislation which covers this is 11 USC 523. This often means that student loans survive a bankruptcy unless the bankrupt can demonstrate "undue hardship".
The United States uses a federally guaranteed student loan program to help college students pay for their education. The program allows students to borrow money at a reduced interest rate and defer payment until they are no longer in school. Student loans are generally offered as part of a total financial aid package that may include grants, scholarships, or work study opportunities.
In the United States, there are three types of student loans: two of them are sponsored by the federal government and the other type is private student loans.[1]
Qualification
Most college students in the United States qualify for some type of student loan, although the amount they can borrow may vary based on several factors. Income level, parents' income level, and other financial considerations are all weighed to determine the amount you are eligible to borrow under the federal student loan program.Repayment
A student loan has two major advantages over conventional loans - lower interest rates and easier repayment terms. The interest rate on a student loan will generally be at least two percentage points lower than the going market rate for conventional loans, but this will vary somewhat.Repaying a student loan is different, too. In most cases, payment can be deferred on the principal and the interest until the student is out of school. Repayment typically begins anywhere from six to twelve months after they leave school, regardless of whether or not they complete their degree program. In some cases, repayment begins if course load drops to half time or less, so it is important to check the exact terms and conditions of any student loan.
The student may have multiple options for extending the repayment period, although an extension of the loan term will likely reduce the monthly payment, it will also increase the amount of total interest paid on the principle balance during the life of the loan. Extension options include extended payment periods offered by the original lender and federal loan consolidation. There are also other extension options including income sensitive repayment plans and hardship deferments.
Criticism
The student loan system has also been criticized including by supporters of other systems such as a grant system.
In coverage through established media outlets, many borrowers have expressed feelings of victimization. Common complaints include: feeling like the terms were not clearly described prior to consummation, having monthly payments equal to half of take-home income, wage garnishment by lenders, inability to charge off student debt in the bankruptcy process (as is possible with mortgages and credit card balances) and being crushed by unyielding lenders when befallen by unfortunate life events (such as disability which prevents work) There is a valid comparison between these accounts and the college credit card trend in America during the 2000s, and it could be argued that a similar form of corrective legislation is in order.
It is often more difficult to discharge a student loan in the USA in the case of bankruptcy. The legislation which covers this is 11 USC 523. This often means that student loans survive a bankruptcy unless the bankrupt can demonstrate "undue hardship".
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