Can I consolidate my student loans while in school

I am still in my school and want to consolidate my student loans. Can I do that? Is there any restriction, I don't know well. My repayment period has not started yet, please suggest.

Laura,

Yes you can consolidate your student loans when you are in school. Your repayment period is supposed to start after 6 months from the day of your course completion. See what are the benefits you are going to gain if you consolidate now –

• Lock your loan at a lower rate of interest through out the loan term
• Longer repayment period with easy installments

But what you are going to lose is the grace period that postpone the repayment period naturally. So what you can do is that apply to your loan holder that you want to repay the loan immediately. Once it is approved, defer the loan. Since you are in school right now, your deferment will get permitted.

If you wish to consolidate when you are in the grace period, you lose the rest of the grace period also.

Some lenders offer specific options to consolidate earlier. You can undergo a counseling that will help you know all the options you can get. This site offers a free counseling. To avail the service, fill out the form here.

Bryan