student loans question

I just graduated afer 6 years of school. i have so many different loans i really don't know the total amount I owe. I went to two different universities. I think I should consolidate as many loans as possible. do you think that would be my best bet? I graduated with a masters of sceince - physician assistant studies and am starting my first job on Nov 3rd. I probably owe $150,000 I'm guessing. Any insite as to what I should do is most appreciated.

Are these federal or private loans??? Or a mix??

Do you know where all your loans are???

I have a mix. Stafford sub and unsub, federal sub. and unsubgrad plus, signature.

SallieMae and Direct and Firstmark.

Well all your federal loans which include your staffords and plus loans can be consolidated easily. I always recommend the Direct Loan Consolidation loan program.....they have the easiest term plus public service loan cancellation programs.

Your private loans are another matter. There are not many consolidation loan programs still available for private loans. How much do you owe breaking them down into private vs federal??

Is the Graduate Plus loan a private or federal loan?

Grad Plus loans are federal.

My Firstmark loan is $15,000 private loan right?
The rest of all the federal loans at Nova Southeastern where I got my masters degree is $115,000. I don't know where to look for my undergraduate loans? Do I have to call that college to get that info?

When should I start the process od consolidating thru the Direct Loan Consolidation program you referred too?

When did you graduate?? You have a six month grace period after you leave school. The consoldiation can take anywhere from 30-90 days.

I graduated on August 23rd.

Can the Perkin loans be consolidated?

well your loans will become due february. I would suggest starting the paperwork by the beginning of december....with the holidays, the process will be a little slower.

The Perkin loans can't be consolidated?

Thank You Soaplady for all of the great information. I really appreciate it

You never mentioned them. Perkins are federal loans too.

You really need to do some reading. Nobody should have this high a balance without understanding what they owe and how they are going to pay it.