On The Money: Thinking about consolidating student loans? Check here first

By Chuck Myers, McClatchy-Tribune News Service –

Student loans offer an invaluable avenue to help cover the cost of higher education. But they can also pose a financial burden on students once they graduate.

One method that recent grads can use to address outstanding education loans is loan consolidation. Several college and university financial aid offices offer information about student loan consolidation. But you might find some quicker answers regarding loan consolidation on the Web. Here are a few Web sites that provide useful information on the subject:

AMERICAN EDUCATION SERVICES

www.aessuccess.org/manage/trouble—making—payments/consolidate.shtml

Breaks down the pros and cons of student loan consolidation.

CREDIT.COM

www.credit.com/products/loans/Student-Loan-Consolidation-Tips.jsp

Covers benefits and pitfalls of student loan consolidation.

FEDERAL DIRECT CONSOLIDATION LOANS INFORMATION CENTER

www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov

Select “Borrower Services” for student loan repayment information and consolidation application process.

Finaid

www.finaid.org/loans/consolidation.phtml

Features wide range of topics related to consolidating student loans.