The Direct Loan program now has a

The Direct Loan program now has a $1 trillion dollar balance, with a yearly increase in the hundreds of billions of dollars being lent to students.

The Direct Loan program now has a $1 trillion dollar balance, with a yearly increase in the hundreds of billions of dollars being lent to students.

There are quite a few good reasons to consider consolidating your federal student loans.

In fact, student loans are such a hot topic right now that they are a frequent, if not focal, point of discussion in the 2016 presidential primary debates.

Interns from around the city protest near the Senate steps to urge the Senate to act on a House passed bill, Smarter Solutions for Students Act, which would prevent student loan interest rates from doubling.

The easiest way to apply is online through the website using your U. Sign in at and either go to the My Account page to access the Loan Consolidation link or find the link under the Tools and Resources on the Home page.

There are quite a few good reasons to consider consolidating your federal student loans.

In fact, student loans are such a hot topic right now that they are a frequent, if not focal, point of discussion in the 2016 presidential primary debates.

Interns from around the city protest near the Senate steps to urge the Senate to act on a House passed bill, Smarter Solutions for Students Act, which would prevent student loan interest rates from doubling.

The easiest way to apply is online through the website using your U. Sign in at and either go to the My Account page to access the Loan Consolidation link or find the link under the Tools and Resources on the Home page.

This could be disadvantageous for certain students, such as those who plan to serve in the Armed Services or Peace Corps.

For an overwhelming number of young professionals, the topic of student debt is a sensitive one.

With some federal loan rates as high as 7.9 percent, it does not take much to entice my fellow millennials, especially the older ones, into an emotional discourse on the subject.

Debt relief companies will say they can help reduce your monthly payment or get your loans forgiven. You don’t get the promised help — or your money back.

If you stopped paying your loans, your credit could be damaged, too, and your loan balances could balloon.