The drop in interest rates has made considering student loan consolidation interest rates more attractive. Students may be paying larger monthly payments on loans and need to lower the payments. Or, they may have several separate loans that are paid to different lenders each month with varying interest rates. With almost eight percent of students carrying an average $10,000 loan, there can be many reasons to want to consolidate.
Education loans fall into two categories, Federal education and Private education loans. When a student is considering consolidation it is important to keep these categories separated. The method for calculating consolidation interest rates for federal education loans are strictly regulated by the government. The education loans provided by private lenders do fall under the same restrictions and requirements and can vary greatly depending of the lender gave the loan.
Student loan consolidation interest rates for federal loans are calculated by taking the average rate of all of the loans and rounding up to the nearest 1/8%. The loan, then will fall somewhere between the highest interest and the lowest interest. The maximum rate is 8.25%.
For students who have a PLUS loan there can be an advantage to consolidating their loan. The maximum interest rate for a PLUS education loan is 8.5%. The maximum interest rate on a PLUS loan consolidating is 8.25%. A student paying the maximum interest rate for a PLUS loan can instantly save 1/4% by consolidating their loan.
Interest on a private education loan is calculated using the prime rate or London Interbank Offered Rate with an additional one to five percent origination fee. The origination fee is based on a person’s credit score. The origination fee normally is included in the loan and there is not an upfront fee required.
The total amount of the loan can also be increased when other costs must be added. Capitalization of deferred interest from the original loan may be included in the loan if the original loan had deferred interest. If there were any discounts offered with the original loan they normally must be paid back and will be included in the loan as well.
If a person has a lot of student loans with different lenders. Or, if they have several different government loans that must be paid individually, it is often more convenient to consolidate into one loan. By consolidating an individual will be paying one interest rate on their loans to one lender. In addition, the payment of their loan will usually be less because the loan is extended longer than the original loan. However, it is important to consider whether or not the long term payment of interest will result in a significantly higher loan. Talking to a professional who can discuss options and types of student loan interests rates that will best meet ones needs is an important step before consolidating.
Looking for the lowest student loan consolidation rate? Undergraduate student loans may be the best option for you.
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