Does loan consolidation reduce my interest rate and monthly payments on my student loans?

Yes, loan consolidation can reduce your interest rate and monthly payments on your student loans. Loan consolidation combines multiple student loans into one loan with one monthly payment. Through this process, the borrower can often lock in a lower interest rate, reducing the cost of the loan. In California, federal student loan consolidation is available through the federal Direct Loan Program. Through this program, borrowers are able to combine multiple federal student loans into one loan with a fixed interest rate. The new interest rate is determined by taking the average of the interest rates on all the loans that are being consolidated and rounding up to the nearest 1/8th of a percent. This new interest rate will usually be lower than the average of all the original loans, thus saving money and reducing the monthly payments. Additionally, borrowers may choose to apply for a private consolidation loan through a lender, such as a bank, credit union, or online lender. Private consolidation loans may offer borrowers lower interest rates, longer repayment terms, and other benefits. However, private consolidation loans are not eligible for federal student loan programs such as loan forgiveness or income-driven repayment plans. Overall, loan consolidation can be a great tool for borrowers looking to reduce their interest rates and monthly payments on their student loans. It is important to research all of the options available and go over any terms and conditions before making a decision.

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