Consolidating Undergraduate and Graduate Loans

Dear American Student Assistance:

I am a graduate student with undergrad loans that were consolidated several years ago. Since returning to school I have new loans for my graduate education, and I was wondering if there is a way to combine these new loans with my other loans that have already been consolidated under a new lender?

Would a new lender be willing to take my grad school loans as well as my undergraduate loans? I hope this is not a confusing question.

Sincerely,
Ainee

Dear Ainee:

It’s not a confusing question at all, in fact it’s a common one!

Yes—you can consolidate your new loans with your old consolidation into a new consolidation. The tricky part is that not a lot of lenders are offering consolidation right now. I’d start by checking with your current lenders to see if they are offering it. If not, you may want to check out the Direct Loan program.

Regards,
American Student Assistance

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For some borrowers, consolidating student loans might be a good option. Others might be better off choosing a different repayment schedule. To decide what’s best for you, first understand consolidation and your options.