What is the right time to consolidate loans? The most
asked query by students is when can he or she apply for student loan
consolidation? The simple answer to it is- after the student graduates, or is
leaving school or even when the student drops below the half time enrollment.
All the requirements to consolidate a loan. There are certain tricks and tips to follow to make oneself eligible for consolidation of loans, they are-
- There needs to be at least one FFEL program loan or direct loan in the mode of repayment or in the grace period.
- If there is an already defaulted loan then the student must make secure and satisfying repayments to the current consolidate loan company or he/she must repay the loan under income contingent repayment plans.
- There are is absolutely no application fee and the student can even prepay the loan before its maturity period without any penalties.
The rate of interest on consolidated loans. The direct consolidation loans have fixed rate of interest for the entire payment period. The final rate of interest to be paid remains on the average of all the loans to be consolidated and then it is rounded off to the value of one percent. How ever any rate of interest on consolidated loans even if undertaken by student loan consolidation companies cannot exceed the upper limit of eight point two five percent.
How can a student apply for direct consolidation
of loan? There are often numerous ways to apply for a direct consolidation of
loans-
- A student can apply directly online on the website of direct consolidation of loans.
- A student can apply via telephone. One need to call on- one eight zero zero five five seven seven three nine two.
- A student can download the promissory note from the direct consolidation loans website.