Student Loan Consolidation Calculator

Consolidation is one way to lower your student loan payments. But depending on your situation, you may have better options.

• Federal student loan consolidation lowers your payments by lengthening the time you have to repay.

• Private student loan refinancing cuts your payments with a lower interest rate, if you qualify.

• Income-driven repayment plans reduce payments to a percentage of your income.

To see how much you’d pay monthly using each option — refinancing, federal consolidation and income-driven repayment — enter a few details about your loans in the calculator below.

» MORE: Can you refinance student loans?

Student loan consolidation calculator

How to use this consolidation calculator

Step 1: Enter details about your federal and private student loans. You'll need your loan balance, interest rate and monthly payment. You can estimate, but your result will be more accurate if you have specifics handy.

Step 2: Understand what you currently owe. You'll see a total of all your loan balances and payments, plus the weighted average interest rate for all loans. Use this information to compare interest rates and monthly payments.

Step 3: Choose an option to lower your payments. Each option will change your interest rate, monthly payment or repayment term:

• If you're consolidating federal loans, you may see a lower monthly payment and longer repayment schedule.

• If you're refinancing student loans, a lower interest rate will save you money. The best rates go to borrowers with good or excellent credit.

• Income-driven repayment plans are for borrowers who have a large amount of debt compared to their income. These programs may mean substantially lower payments, but a longer repayment timeline and more accrued interest, too.