It paves the way through college, making the ride a whole lot smoother. Be sure to be educated by searching out more facts before taking your final decision. You will probably have both federal and private loans but for this article we will be dealing with only your federal loans. There's a lot to understand about student loans, financial aids grants, and students loan consolidation. The extent of borrowing allowed is limited and does not cover the connected expenses of college education such as cost of tuition, books, computers and board and lodging. Rate of interest and other credit terms will vary depending on the lender; and as such before taking a private loan it is pertinent to search for many private lenders of prominence, and visit their websites to extract their respective terms and rates and do a thorough research as to which lender has the best solution to suit your particular situation. This leaves behind a trail of unpaid bills and loans. The next step should be to calculate what your total monthly installment would be once repayments start after graduation. You can also find more info on School Loan and College Loan Consolidation. College loan consolidation will allow you to take out a single large loan with which you can pay off all your student loans, so that instead of having to make several payments each month, you only need to make one. If you dont consolidate, your interest rate will fluctuate depending on economical conditions. Private lenders too will give you options of deferment, but you will have to pay the accrued interest thereon further adding to the ultimate total cost of the loan. There is a deferment clause you can bring into play and thus start your repayment after you graduate. Remember your initial salary would be far less; and finalize your calculations accordingly. Since many loans are not payable during the study period, this shouldnt affect students. Remember that the more you apply for the higher the interest rate will be at stake. Student loan consolidation means that all the loans you currently owe are brought into one main account and you pay just one monthly payment at a fixed interest rate. That report also states that 52 percent of undergraduate students financial aid came in loans in the 2005-2006 school years, as opposed to 46 percent in the 2000-2001 school year. The lower interest rate could save you thousands of dollars in interest charges over your repayment period. Consolidation will not affect the right to forgiveness for Stafford loans. Student loans are designated to students who have the ambition to succeed, but not the finance to cover tuition fees. Board Report, the median debt level for a graduate with a bachelors degree from a four-year college was $19,300 in 2003. Put all your eggs in one good basket for lower rates and lower monthly repayments. And you may find that the monthly payment on your college loan consolidation is less than the total of those for your student loans. A little sacrifice will not kill you, the earlier you consolidate your college loans the better. Student loan consolidation may only be available after you finish school. Eligibility doesnt start until you have taught for 5 years, and there are other requirements such as You must not have had active student loans on Oct 1, 1998. In addition you may be eligible for forgiveness by state. Visit her site and get more aid for Financial Subjects regardless of your credit.