#  Consolidation 

 



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 Federal Perkins, HPSL, LDS, Federal Stafford, Federal SLS or Federal Direct Loan programs may be consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan from the U.S. Department of Education. Harvard Institutional loans are private education loans that are not eligible for consolidation.

 Benefits of consolidation are:  
\*One lender/one bill  
\*Choice of repayment plans, including extending the repayment period beyond ten years.

 To apply for a Direct Consolidation Loan, log into: [Studentaid.gov](https://studentaid.gov/app/launchConsolidation.action).  
  
**Harvard University does not offer loan consolidation.**

 Some things to consider before consolidating:  
• Some subsidized loans (not accruing interest in school or during most deferment periods) become unsubsidized (accrues interest from date of issue) when consolidated.  
• What deferment options are available before and after consolidation?  
• Federal Perkins loans offer forgiveness provisions that may not be available under a consolidation program.