Refinancing Student Loans: Factors That Make Them Worthwhile

College education is anything but cheap, and as the loans taken out to cover tuition fees and living expenses grow, students eventually face a huge debt. Properly managing this debt is essential if students are to lessen the debilitating pressure that is synonymous with repaying them, and refinancing student loans is proven to be the most effective way of doing this.Students have long been given breaks by lenders, but while loans are more affordable in general terms, the lack of income creates a real problem. Managing college debts is certainly not easy, but there is no doubt that refinancing these loans makes a world of difference.There is a range of consolidation programs available that are designed to see student loans cleared as quickly as possible. But, as is the case with all financial programs, it is important to know the mechanics involved before committing to one.The Mechanics of Loan RefinancingThe basic idea behind refinancing is easy enough to grasp. A consolidation program involves refinancing student loans by buying them all out using one large consolidation loan. And because the terms of the consolidation loan are better, the pressure is lifted dramatically, allowing the student or graduate a chance to take control of their debt.This is an effective way of managing college debts because repaying the debt is made more simple. For example, 5 separate loans will have 5 separate repayment schedules and 5 differing interest rates. Reducing them to one loan with one interest rate reduces the amount of money owed every month, and makes budgeting easier.For example, when combined debts amount to $75,000 over a term of 10 years, the monthly repayments could be as much as $650. However, by replacing them with one loan and extending the term to 20 years, the repayments can fall to as little as $350. So, buying out the 5 student loans with one loan leads to significant savings.Issues to Keep in MindThe criteria involved in qualifying for any consolidation program can vary slightly. Refinancing student loans is widely regarded as an excellent move, but just like every other kind of loan, there are some issues that need to be considered before actually submitting an application.The first is whether the loans are private or federal. Not every lender is willing to accommodate both in the same program. And, for the most part, managing college debts in this way only suits privately secured loans. The reason is that since federal loans are sponsored by the government, they come with low interest charges anyway, so these are often beneficial enough.It is worth noting that there are federal consolidation programs available for federal student loans. But the greater debt created through private loans can be reduced much more effectively with private programs.Criteria to MeetOf course, there are basic conditions and criteria to meet if refinancing student loans is going to be of benefit. This option is reserved for students and graduates who face huge debts and are unlikely to be able to clear them. The good news is that qualifying is not such a complicated process.The first condition is that debt needs to be significant, with a minimum balance of $10,000 often quoted by lenders. After all, managing college debts is easy when the debt is low, so this kind of specific help is not deemed necessary. Instead, a larger loan can be cleared and a real difference made.And with student loans finally repaid, the pressure is eased and the chance to either concentrate on studies, or begin a career with less financial headache, is secured.