Private student loan consolidation cannot be generally mixed with federal student loans due to the low interest rate on the latter. However, there are several options open to refinance the private student loans by replacing them with another.
The main advantage of doing this is that instead of making several monthly payments, only a single payment is made every month that may be reduced although this will cost one in terms of higher interest amount paid because the single loan may be for a longer period of time.
There is a way to secure a lower interest rate. The private student loan is based on the credit score. If the credit score has improved by 50 to 100 points due to the fact that you have graduated and have a job, then you will be rewarded with a low interest rate.
Another way of getting a better deal when considering a private student loan consolidation is to talk to the holders of your debts. They may be willing to negotiate with you and cut down your interest rate so that they can keep you as their customer.
This type of loan also incurs the same interest that the home equity loan has. You can have a home equity loan at a fixed rate, thus locking in the low interest rate. However sometimes a variable rate looks attractive as long as you can watch it and lock it the moment it is on an upward trend.
Study carefully the terms of the agreement. Find out if the interest rate is variable or fixed. Ask also about fees and if there are prepayment penalties. Find out how much they are for each of the following lenders. Write them down so you can get the best deal from among the following list and whatever other companies willing to do the private student consolidation loan with you:
Key Education Consolidation Loan – $75,000 maximum for non-key debt, $7500 minimum, 10, 15, 30 year repayment term, no prepayment penalty and no fees Citi Student Loans – $75,000 maximum, $7500 minimum, choose fixed or variable rate, up to 30 year term rate, rate reduction after 48 monthly on time payments, no prepayment penalty Educated Borrower Private Consolidation Loan – $300,000 maximum, $7500 minimum, up to 30 year repayment term, no prepayment penalty and 0 to 5% origination fees Sallie Mae Private Consolidation Loan – $275,000 maximum, $5000 minimum, 15 to 30 year repayment term, choose between fixed and variable rate, no prepayment penalty and no fees SC Student Loan – PAL Consolidation Loan – $150,000 maximum, $5000 minimum, 10 to 30 year repayment term, choose between fixed and variable rate, no prepayment penalty and no fees Next Student Private Consolidation Loan – $300,000 maximum, $7500 minimum, up to 30 year repayment term, no prepayment penalty and 0 to 5% origination fees
Make sure when you are considering to go this route that you clarify all the terms of the agreement as the above may have changed and that all are put in writing and signed by both parties. The best one is the one that fits your needs. There you have some of the possible lenders and the other options when considering to do the private student loan consolidation.
By: Roger Guzman, M.D.
Posts Tagged ‘Credit Score’
Private Student Loan Consolidation – Is There a Best One?
December 16th, 2009Private Student Loans Tips
December 1st, 2009
Private student loans are usually the best option after federal student loans, so if you are not accepted in the government student aid programs, your next best choice would be trying a private lender.
Even though private loans usually have a higher interest rate, but instead they give you a wide choice of choosing between private lender, each offering their own unique benefits and rates.
So it’s important to compare different lenders and choose your best option.
Also private loans are good even if you are accepted in the federal student aid program, but the amount you have been qualified to be given is just not enough for your study expenses.
So you can also apply for a private loan for your additional expenses.
What If You Have a Bad Credit Score?
As you may know, when you apply for any loan, your credit score will be checked.
This is especially important when you apply for a private loan because no lender gives any money unless doing a careful credit check on his customers.
So if you personally don’t have a good credit score, it is a good idea to use a cosigner – like your parents – so you can benefit from their higher credit score.
Important Note: If you see a loan company that does NOT ask for a credit check on you, then by all means avoid them because they are very likely a scam.
If you still can’s qualify for a private student loan, then you may like to try a personal student loan.
By: Alex C Johnson