Why Consolidating Federal Student Loans is Worth the Effort

Oct 15
08:18

2012

Devora Witts

Devora Witts

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Student debt can get high, but consolidating federal student loans is one way to take control of the situation. There are several advantages to this option, not just that loans get paid.

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The reality of getting a college education is stark and unforgiving. Every student knows that they will be in a stronger position to get a good job,Why Consolidating Federal Student Loans is Worth the Effort Articles but in the current economic climate, getting a job is not easy. What is more, to graduate, significant loans have to be taken out in order to pay tuition fees and cover living expenses. Consolidating federal student loans is the only way to make this situation manageable.There is no intention to cast a depressing shadow over the area of college education, but for millions of students across the US, the reality is that they face crushing debts as soon as they graduate. Surveys have revealed that the average graduate leaves with a debt of $30,000, with some facing debts of as much as $100,000. So, clearing college debt is a major challenge.But through one of the many consolidation programs, the chances of repaying student loans in full are much improved. Choosing consolidation has several advantages over alternative methods.Less Time, Lower CostsA key advantage is that the process of clearing the debts accrued in college is streamlined and made simple. By consolidating federal student loans, the structure of the existing debts is changed to the benefit of the borrower, but the complications presented by bad credit scores and payment of administrative fees do not apply.This is because there is no fee charged when clearing college debt through one of the various federal consolidation programs. After all, the lender already knows everything they need to because the loans were granted in the first place. So, the application really just involves a quick re-check of the particulars.And once the application program is approved, repaying the student loans immediately becomes a whole lot easier. There are also discounts available depending on some options chosen as part of the application, so read the details carefully.Rebuild Credit ReputationSince the process of consolidating federal student loans involves repaying the existing loans in full with a new single debt, the original loans are marked off as fully repaid. This means that the credit score of the student is adjusted in their favor. So, the score is increased, improving their credit ratings and ensuring better terms for any future private loan agreements.Of course, the idea of clearing college debt completely is not quite accurate, with the consolidation loan needing to be repaid too. Should repayments be missed, or the loan be defaulted on, then the credit score will be affected directly too. So, responsibility must not be forgotten either.Still, with the repayments sum each month reduced by as much a half in some cases, the task of meeting repayments is made a lot easier. This means that student loans can be cleared and the consolidation loans repaid without a hitch.Concentrate on Studies not DebtsBut perhaps the biggest advantage is that students facing huge debts can at last focus on graduating with flying colors. Consolidating federal student loans makes repaying the debts much more manageable, lowering the monthly repayments, setting fixed interest rates to ensure sound budgeting and relaxing the pressure on the student.With this in mind, the task of concentrating on studying and passing exams is made easier, while clearing college debts can drop down the priority list. So, in the long run the ability to secure a better job, and a better income is increased. Student loans can then be paid off with such ease.