The college education is becoming more expensive to buy, and so students are opting for the student loans available for them to acquire education. The student loans available are the now- subsidized and the subsidized loans. Banks and other lending institutions also do offer private loans to students.
If you do not want to be a deep student debtor, then do not take many loans while in college. That is why it is of much benefit to consolidating the loans taken but after much consultation and carrying out necessary studies at the very early stage. It is important to understand how libertarians view student loans. Also, seek professional help before deciding to consolidate your college loans.
Consolidating student loans has several disadvantages with unfavorable terms and conditions which cannot be reversed once approved. These may include;
Repayment Period
If you decide to choose a longer period of repaying your loan, in the long run, the very total amount you will pay is going to be more much higher than the amount originally taken as loan. The longer the repayment period, the much you pay. Be smart on the repayment schedule and pay as quickly as you can. Once you consolidate your education loans and are approved, they cannot be undone
Interest Rate Is Fixed
A fixed interest rate is given automatically when a student loan is consolidated. Even if the variable rates drop, it remains the same, and this creates a financial impact to those students paying back their educational loans. In cases where you take a longer time to repay the loan, the interest charges against the student loan may increase to the greater extent.
Lost Grace Period
You as a student, you are normally given six months of grace period after graduation whereby you are not to make any loan repayment. The grace period entails that you find yourself work and be stable with work life. But when you consolidate your loans while in college, causes loss of the grace period. Some students do consolidate their loans during the grace period, and this earns them 0.5% discount on the new loan.
Deferment And Discharge Benefits
There are certain loan programs which provide you with money after you graduate and these are known as discharge benefits. Deferment benefits also allow you in that you can delay paying back your loan until it ends. The discharge and deferment benefits will not remain once you consolidate your education loan.
Loan Elimination
Once you consolidate your loans, they become lumped together, and repayment means paying until all is gone. There is no elimination of loans once they are consolidated, and this brings serious problems to those paying off their debts.
No Discounts
The borrower’s benefits which may include rebates and interest rate discounts will not be available for you once your educational loans are consolidated. This clearly shows you that consolidating your college loans while in college brings about several drawbacks later when you are through and needs to progress.
For you to enjoy the benefits which are provided by the Government concerning college loan repayments, please avoid this habit of consolidating the loans. The interest rates may drop, and you find yourself in a situation whereby you cannot reverse.