If you have student loan debt, you have most likely heard the terms “student loan consolidation” and “student loan refinancing”. Although they sound similar and are often used interchangeably, they are actually two different programs. Therefore, understanding these programs and their key differences can help you make better student loan repayment decisions, especially if you are wondering how to consolidate student loans effectively.
Student Loan Consolidation
Student loan consolidation lets you combine one or more eligible federal student loans into one new Direct Consolidation Loan. As a result, the U.S. Department of Education becomes the new lender. As the administrator of the program, they use companies to originate and service the loans.
Student Loan Refinancing
Student loan refinancing is offered by private (non-federal) lenders to allow student loan borrowers to refinance one or more federal and/or private student loans into a new private student loan. Consequently, the lender of the new private student loan will be a bank, credit union, or other financial institution
Which is Better?
Both programs offer many benefits. These benefits include simplifying your monthly student loan payments, locking in a fixed interest rate, and lowering your monthly payments. However, there may be some drawbacks as well. For example, if you extend your repayment term, you could increase the total cost of your loans. Therefore, you may forfeit current and potential future federal student loan benefits. Also, any incentives attached to your current loans,
Comparing Options
Student Loan Consolidation | Student Loan Refinancing* | |
Lender | U.S. Department of Education | Banks, Credit Unions, and Financial Institutions |
Credit check required | No | Yes |
Upfront fees | None | Most lenders do not charge any upfront fees |
Interest rate type | Fixed | Fixed and variable rate options are offered by most lenders |
Interest rate | Weighted average interest rate of the loans being consolidated, rounded up to nearest one-eighth of 1% | Varies. Factors may include the borrower’s and/or cosigner’s credit history; repayment term; interest rate type; highest level of education; and current market conditions |
Repayment plans | Standard, Graduated, Extended, and various Income-Driven Repayment plans | Standard Repayment |
Repayment term | 10 to 30 years depending on the amount being consolidated | 5 to 20 years |
Allowable loans | Most federal student loans are eligible. Private loans are not eligible | Federal and private student loans are allowed by most lenders |
Interest rate reduction | Rate reduction for automatic payments | Rate reduction for automatic payments. Some lenders offer an additional rate reduction to existing customers with a qualifying account |
Ability to consolidate or refinance multiple times | Generally no, unless additional federal loans are included | Yes |
Loss of federal benefits | Some benefits may be lost | Yes, including potentially qualifying for Public Service Loan Forgiveness on federal loans |
When you can consolidate or refinance | After graduation, leaving school, or dropping below half-time enrollment | After graduation, leaving school, or dropping below half-time enrollment. Some lenders allow refinancing while in school |
* Features represent those of the largest and/or most common private student loan refinancing programs. A specific lender’s features may differ, so be sure to read the program details carefully.
Choose the Right Option for You
While there are similarities between student loan consolidation and student loan refinancing, they are different programs with unique features. Firstly, if you are interested in consolidating or refinancing your current student loans, determine what you want to accomplish. Your goal may be to lower your monthly payments, lock in a low fixed interest rate, and/or lower your overall cost of repaying your loans. Next, compare the federal government’s Direct Consolidation Loan program to Nelnet Bank and other private lender programs once your goal has been set. Then, decide if consolidation or refinancing is right for you based on your financial goals and circumstances.
