Most borrowers will need a cosigner for this loan to meet credit, employment, and debt-to-income requirements.Rates are typically higher without a cosigner; however, borrowers that meet these requirements on their own do not need a cosigner (but may still choose to apply with a cosigner).As you weigh the pros and cons, keep in mind that timing is critical.With just a few exceptions, you get only one chance to consolidate with the government loan programs.Loans that are not eligible for consolidation include state or private loans that are not federally guaranteed.Although all of these different loans may be consolidated, you must have at least one outstanding FFEL or Direct Loan to obtain a Direct Consolidation Loan.WARNING: It is very dangerous to consolidate federal loans into a private consolidation loan.

Calculate how to potentially pay less interest on your student loan: Student Loan Interest Calculator Calculate the monthly payments on your private student loans: Student Loan Repayment Calculator If you’re a borrower with little or no credit history, or you have limited income, a cosigner may help you to qualify for this loan and potentially receive a lower interest rate.

Depending upon the total balance you are consolidating, you may extend the repayment period for up to 30 years with consolidation.

The extended period makes the monthly payment amount more manageable; however, the longer your loans are in repayment, the more interest you will pay over the life of the loan.

So, the interest rate on a consolidation loan may be higher than the underlying loans.

However, the interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan.