by Justin Pritchard

You can consolidate your student loans during your grace period or during repayment. You might even get to do a consolidation before you graduate. The timing depends on a variety of factors.

Consolidating during the grace period may get you a lower rate

You don’t want to consolidate too soon after graduation. If you do, you might lose out on some interest subsidies

If you think interest rates are low, you might lock in the rate

If you want a lower monthly payment today, you might try to get an extended repayment plan