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Refinancing & Consolidation 34 articles

Refinancing & Consolidation

When refinancing makes sense, when it's a trap, and which lenders are safe.

Latest in Refinancing & Consolidation

34 articles · reading order

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No. 01

How refinancing works

11 guides · in order

01 How to Refinance Student Loans: Step-by-Step Guide & Best Lenders The main benefit of refinancing is that you could get an interest rate reduction, meaning less money paid over the life of the loan and lower monthly payment amounts. It can be an excellent personal finance decision, depending on your loan refinance rates. 11 min 02 Does it Make Sense to Refinance Student Loans? When does it make sense to refinance student loans? Our 2026 guide walks you through who should refinance, potential savings and hidden costs. 6 min 03 How to Refinance Federal Student Loans How to Refinance Federal Student Loans 4 min 04 Can Refinanced Student Loans Be Forgiven? Can Refinanced Student Loans Be Forgiven? 5 min

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No. 02

Qualifying & credit

6 guides · in order

01 Here’s the Credit Score You Need to Refinance Student Loans Here’s the Credit Score You Need to Refinance Student Loans 5 min 02 How to Refinance a Student Loan With Bad Credit How to Refinance a Student Loan With Bad Credit 5 min 03 Student Loan Refinance Without a Cosigner: How to Qualify on Your Own Learn how to qualify for student loan refinance without cosigner support, including credit, income, and debt-to-income basics—and steps to improve your odds. 5 min 04 A Guide to the Student Loan Cosigner Release Learn how cosigner release works when refinancing student loans, what refinance requirements lenders have, and how to plan for removing a cosigner successfully. 8 min

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No. 03

Lenders & comparisons

10 guides · in order

01 Best Student Loan Refinance Lenders for High Debt: Who Qualifies, What Rates to Expect, and How to Structure the Loan Which lenders refinance $100K+ in student loans, what rates to expect at your DTI, and what you permanently lose by leaving the federal system. 11 min 02 Best Student Loan Consolidation Companies – Federal and Private for June 2022 Best Student Loan Consolidation Companies – Federal and Private for June 2022 9 min 03 Is Earnest the Right Choice to Refinance Your Student Loan? Is Earnest the Right Choice to Refinance Your Student Loan? 8 min 04 CommonBond Alternatives for Student Loan Refinancing CommonBond Alternatives for Student Loan Refinancing 5 min

See all 10 guides in Lenders & comparisons →

No. 04

By profession & loan type

7 guides · in order

01 A Guide to Refinancing Medical School Loans Learn how medical school loan refinance works, when it makes sense during residency or after training, and how to weigh savings against federal protections. 11 min 02 Refinancing Law School Loans: Best Lenders — Oct. 2022 Refinancing Law School Loans: Best Lenders — Oct. 2022 9 min 03 Refinancing Law School Loans: When It May Make Sense (and When to Wait) Learn when refinancing law school loans can lower interest costs, how career path affects the tradeoffs, and how to decide using simple steps. 8 min 04 Refinance Parent PLUS Loans: 5 Best Lenders of 2023 Refinancing Parent PLUS loans can save you money if you get a lower interest rate than you have on your current loan with the federal government. It can also eliminate your responsibility for paying back the loan by transferring it to your child. 14 min

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