| When applying for student loan consolidation, or even | | | | untrustworthy or shady private lenders, to help |
| looking into it, you need to first look at what kind of | | | | protect customers. Some of these agencies include |
| student loan you have. Student loans are split into | | | | The U.S. Department of Education and the Federal |
| two types; federal loans and private loans. Below is | | | | Trade Commission. Make sure you take a look at |
| information on each one so you can categorize your | | | | these agencies websites and information before |
| own loan, and also find get some more information | | | | making a move towards a private loan. |
| on your loan, and the other types of student loan | | | | Federal Loans |
| consolidation out there. | | | | Federal loans are generally the best avenue to |
| Private Loans | | | | venture towards when taking out a student (or any |
| Private loans, otherwise known as alternative loans | | | | type of) loan. They are both regulated and supported |
| are loans that have been orchestrated privately, | | | | by the government, and are carried out by |
| instead of by a federal lender or corporation. These | | | | government agencies. This means that the agencies |
| can sometimes be a good option and can have | | | | have been well inspected and are up to regulation. |
| certain benefits, especially if you take out a loan with | | | | This gives customers a greater assurance of good |
| a well known family business, or someone | | | | service and safety in where they put their money. |
| trustworthy who may be able to give you a little | | | | Two examples of federal loans are Federal Family |
| slack when you need it, but as good as this may | | | | Education Loans and Direct Loans. |
| sound, private loans are lacking in certain areas, as | | | | Once you have decided which of the above |
| well. One of the biggest cons being that they don't | | | | categories you fit into, make sure to look into further |
| offer the benefits and assurance of quality that are | | | | details with your lender. If you have a private loan |
| offered by federal loans, which are more closely | | | | and haven't already, make sure you ensure that |
| inspected by the government. | | | | they're trustworthy and government inspected, if |
| Additionally, private loans are more susceptible to | | | | possible. If you have either loan, make sure to check |
| scamming, because they are not supported by the | | | | details and ask about student loan consolidation. Good |
| government as much as federal loans are. However, | | | | luck consolidating! |
| certain government agencies do have lists of | | | | |