Student Loan Consolidation Made Easy

The student loan consolidation process can be complex. But it doesn't have to be. The following step-by-step guide will help you better understand how student loan consolidation works and how it will benefit you for years to come.

Step #1: Apply for Student Loan Consolidation

The first step in consolidating your student loans is to apply for a student consolidation loan using a lender application form.

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When you apply, you'll have the choice of receiving an application and information packet via eSignature or postal mail. Your packet will contain a consolidation application, as well as information about your discounts, and details on how your interest rate is computed.

Step #2: Locate Your Current Student Loans

As a result of recent changes at the Department of Education, you'll need to provide your student loan information with your consolidation application. Today, there are a number of ways that you can locate your student loans and our loan counselors will gladly walk you through each process.

Once you have reviewed the promissory note, and understand the terms, you will sign and return it to us. Either by eSignature online, or by sending the paper application back in our pre-paid envelope.

Step #3: The Student Loan Application Process

Upon receiving your signed application, your loan counselor will check the application for errors. We also check to make sure it complies with all federal guidelines set forth for federal loan consolidation. This ensures that your application is completed quickly and accurately.

After your application is submitted for processing, the loan retrieval" begins. Your student loan consolidator will contact your lenders for the exact amount you owe; this information is sent to them on a loan verification certificate. This process can take up to 60 days depending on the response time from your lender. Once we have valid loan verification certficates from your lenders, your consolidator will send them a check for the balance of your student loans.

Once the check has been sent to your lender and processed, your loans have officially been consolidated. You will receive a new statement from your consolidator detailing when your first payment is due, and when each payment is due thereafter. Your previous lenders can take a week or two to close out your accounts, so do not be alarmed if you get a statement from your consolidator and a statement from your old lender. This happens frequently and is no cause for concern.

Your first billing statement from your consolidator includes the automatic checking account withdrawal enrollment form. It will also include information on any other discounts you are eligible for. Your consolidation will now appear on your credit report. Your previous Stafford loans are paid in full. This is why consolidation is a smart idea for your credit rating - it shows that you have successfully paid off all your existing Stafford loans, which reduces the number of loans you owe, and shows you successfully paid off a series of debts, both of which increase your credit score.

Student Loan Consolidation sounds difficult but is rather easy to implement. Follow the steps outlined above and you'll be making a single payment in no time.