Almost eighty percent of students get some type of student loan to get through college. Most of these student loans average ten thousand dollars. Students who received their loans before the interest rates began to fall may be paying higher rates than are available now. For some people the student loan consolidation interest rates that are available today can significantly lower both the interest rate of a loan and the monthly payment for the loan.

When one has federal education loans student loan consolidation interest rates are very straightforward. The method for setting the interest rate on these loans is established and the regulations are very strict. However, the rates vary greatly on private education loans and are calculated with many factors included. When one is consolidating student loans they will want to consolidate their federal education loans separately from their private education loans to take advantage of the benefits available.

When consolidating a student loan the government takes the interest average of all the loans and rounds up to the closest one-eighth percent. The interest rate will be between the highest and lowest interest that is currently paid to a cap of 8 1/4%.

Students who have PLUS loans often choose to take advantage of the PLUS loan loophole. When a student gets a PLUS student loan the cap on the loan is eight and one-half percent. But, if when consolidated, the cap is eight and one-forth percent. A person can save one-fourth percent by consolidating the loan.

Calculations for private education loans are based on the prime interest rate or LIBOR and the margin for the borrower and co-signer. The margin is the credit score that a person has. In addition, there is an origination fee that is usually between one and five percent which is added to the loan. This is why is is important to compare lenders and the rates that they will charge for consolidation.

Deferred interest will also affect the total of a consolidation loan. Lenders usually capitalize the deferred interest of the original loan and include that in the consolidation. There also be discounts and benefits that must be paid back to the original lender when the loan is consolidated.

If a person has a lot of student loans with different lenders. Or, if they have several different government loans that must be paid individually, it is often more convenient to consolidate into one loan. By consolidating an individual will be paying one interest rate on their loans to one lender. In addition, the payment of their loan will usually be less because the loan is extended longer than the original loan. However, it is important to consider whether or not the long term payment of interest will result in a significantly higher loan. Talking to a professional who can discuss options and types of student loan interests rates that will best meet ones needs is an important step before consolidating.

Where do you find the lowest student loan consolidation rate? Need undergraduate student loans for your education?