"We have seen an increase in student loan consolidation activity and we anticipate a rush between now and midnight June 30th," said Mari Mann-Silva, vice-president of Financial Operations of the not-for-profit Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP). "Loan consolidation incentives along with the July 1, 2006 rate increase are driving the market," Mann-Silva added. "COSTEP offers incentive plans based on loan amounts. The following is a recap of those incentives: Student loan amounts of $12,500 or greater will receive a 1% interest rate reduction at the time of consolidation and an additional 1% interest rate reduction after 36 on time payments; loan amounts that are between $5,000 and $12,499.99 will receive a 1% interest rate reduction after 36 on time payments; all student loans are eligible to receive a .25% incentive for participating with the SUREPAY(SM) program."
"The end result is that many students will be paying thousands of dollars more in interest rates unless they consolidate now," said Patricia Beard, president of COSTEP.
RESTON, Va., June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- In a matter of hours, on July 1, interest rates on most federally guaranteed student loans will jump by nearly 2 full percentage points. To avoid the rate increase, borrowers must submit their Federal Consolidation Loan application by midnight on Friday, June 30, 2006.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030617/SLMLOGO-a )
To respond to last-minute requests from borrowers seeking to lock in today's interest rates through student loan consolidation, Sallie Mae will divert all available customer service personnel to focus on helping individuals with consolidation-related issues.
"By redirecting all available resources in the final hours of this unusual interest rate environment, we will help our borrowers receive the best possible service and the lowest possible rate when they consolidate their loans," said Keith D'Ambra, senior vice president of loan consolidation, Sallie Mae.