Is Blue Ridge Student Loan Debt Consolidation Right for You?

If you have student loans, you probably receive debt consolidation offers several times a week. Recent graduates may also have heard about Blue Ridge student loan debt consolidation from financial aid counselors. If you have several student loans, then consolidation may be a great way to simplify your payments and possibly save money. Review the pros and cons of debt consolidation, then decide for yourself. Request a Free Student Loan Consolidation Quote from the Bills.com family of lenders.

Why Blue Ridge Student Loan Debt Consolidation can be a great tool for your loan-related problems?


Student loan consolidation is most beneficial for Stafford loans disbursed between July 1, 1998 and June 30, 2006 that have variable interest rates. If you have fixed rate loans issued after that date, you may not be able to reduce the rate much by consolidating, but it will still simplify your payments. The federal student loan rate resets each July 1 and the new rate is announced in the spring. If you have federal loans, you can consolidate all your loans to lock-in a fixed rate and extend your repayment term.

Most loan companies also offer a small interest rate reduction for automatic payments and an additional reduction after 24-36 on-time payments. Although you must apply by June 30 to qualify for this year's rate, most lenders will postpone the final consolidation until your repayment grace period expires. The grace period is usually 6-9 months.

Drawbacks of Blue Ridge Student Loan Debt Consolidation


If your loans total less than $10,000 or are close to being paid off, then consolidating may not be appropriate for you. Most lenders require a minimum of $10,000 to qualify, although a few lenders offer consolidation for balances as low as $3500.

You should avoid consolidating student debt into a higher-rate personal loan or rolling the debt into your home with a home equity loan. If you die, your student loans are forgiven, but your heirs could be stuck with your loans if they're consolidated into other types of loans. You should avoid adding a spouse's loans to yours or adding your spouse's name to the loan because joint consolidation obligates your spouse to continue repaying your loans after your death. In addition, other types of consolidation loans may include fees that would cancel the potential savings. Finally, part of your student loan interest is tax deductible up to an income limit, while personal loan interest is not.

Eligibility for taking Blue Ridge student debt consolidation loan


You can qualify for student loan consolidation if you've completed or left school, attend school part-time, or at the end of each school year while you're in school. If rates are low, you can also apply for an in-school consolidation to lock-in that rate. Consolidation cancels your in-school interest deferral, though, so you may accrue additional interest during that term. You can defer payments, however. Once you've completed all your schooling, you can consolidate your new loans with your previously consolidated loans. You can't reconsolidate a loan to get a lower rate without adding additional loans to the bundle.

Look for consolidation deals as soon as you graduate, before your repayment grace period ends. The federal government announces the rate for the next year for spring. If the new rate will be higher, consolidate before June 30. If the new rate will be lower, wait until July 1 to apply. Usually, your paperwork must be signed by June 30 in order to qualify for the previous year's rate even if the application isn't processed until later.

After going through the pros and cons of student loan debt consolidation, you can opt for consolidation. However, do not consolidate federal and private loans. Consolidating them separately gives you the benefits available with federal loans.








Blue Ridge, GA (30513)

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