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
http://www.aessuccess.org/manage/trouble—making—payments/consolidate.shtml
Breaks down the pros and cons of student loan consolidation.
CREDIT.COM
http://www.credit.com/products/loans/Student-Loan-Consolidation-Tips.jsp
Covers benefits and pitfalls of student loan consolidation.
FEDERAL DIRECT CONSOLIDATION LOANS INFORMATION CENTER
http://www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov
Select “Borrower Services” for student loan repayment information and consolidation application process.
Finaid
http://www.finaid.org/loans/consolidation.phtml
Features wide range of topics related to consolidating student loans.
STUDENTLOANSFORCOLLEGE.ORG
studentloansforcollege.org/studentloans/10-best-student-loan-consolidation-tips/
Offers 10 tips for student loan consolidation.