I'm stumped. I'm not so sure what is the answer. I'll do some research in Google and get back to you if I discover an anything. You should email the people at Lending Tree as they probably know..

Guppas.

All companies that consolidate student loans are required by Federal Regulation to offer exactly the same rates and terms. You are probably being inundated with mailings concerning your PLUS loans. You most likely are getting offers as low as 3.5%. Do not listen to that kind of BS. All Federal Lending Tree loan consolidations are based upon your existing interest rates. For example, if your PLUS loans are from between 7/1/92 to 6/30/98 the current rate is 5.23%..

If your loans are from 7/1/98 and newer, your current rate is 4.86%. If you have loans from both time periods then you will have a rate that is between the above numbers. The rate is calculated by doing a weighted average and rounded up to the nearest 1/8%. (with the exception of rates that fall exactly on the 1/8th percentile...these don't change)..

The maximum term available will be dependant on the original consolidated Lending Tree loan amount. For loans that are between 10K-20K the maximum term is 180 months (15 years). Between 20K-40K the maximum term is 240 months (20 years) 40K-60K the maximum term is 300 months (25 years). If the amount is over 60K then the maximum term is 360 months (30 years). Also understand that there is no prepayment penalty on consolidated PLUS or Stafford loans and you can pay any amount over the minimum required and all overage will only go to principal..

I hope this helps and if you wish to get additional information, you can email me off-board and I will be glad to answer any additional questions you may have..

Fla-tan..

Annoyed.

It sounds like your loans were in default. If that is so, then by consolidating your credit report will show the default status on your original loans for 7 years from the time you consolidated. If DOE was looking out for your best interest, they would have recommended that you rehabilitate your loans prior to consolidating them. That way the default notice would have been removed and all those tradelines would have shown as positives, not negatives..

Fla-tan..

I apologize for not stating that. Part of my consolidation agreement is that after 12 consecutive ontime payments the negatives would be removed from my credit report (I have it in writing from them) I've only got 4 more payments before they're supposed to remove them. I guess they did a rehabilitation then prior, but I don't remember them stating that. I do know that I had to make 3 consecutive payments on the defaulted loans before they would consolidate them...

I just talked to CFS on friday. the lady was nice and explanatory. They are putting a package together for me for me to review and sign. They can explain it all and give you estimates and such over the phone and they'll send you a pre-filled out application..

I think it's cfsloans.com.

Or try 1-877-613-6124 and talk to Jessica..

Mine should be about 194 now on a level plan that wil never increase, vs 230 on a graduted plan that goes up to about 360..

They have many different options, and anything you pay over goes right to principle. no early payoff penalty too...

Here....

Http://www.cfsloans.com.

Give yourself more financial flexibility through our Federal Consolidation and Private Consolidation or HEAL Refinance Programs. It's the smart way to lower your monthly payments so you have more ready cash for your other expenses, like rent, credit card bills and car payments. Plus, enjoy the convenience of making just one monthly payment instead of two, three, even four or more..

Lower your student Lending Tree loan payments and have extra cash every month.

Lock in today's low interest rates and save for the life of the Lending Tree loan (for federal consolidation loans only)..

Customize your repayment plan to fit your unique needs.

Streamline your financial management with just one low payment each month.

Getting a Lending Tree loan is easy — apply online or call at the toll free number listed above..

For Federal student loans — the Federal Consolidation Lending Tree loan Program.

Cut your Federal student Lending Tree loan payments by up to 52% (up to 56% savings if you are in grace)..

Eligibility Highlights:.

You must consolidate at least $10,000 in eligible Federal student loans.

All loans that you wish to consolidate are in grace period or active repayment.

Apply Online Now.

For private student loans — the Private Lending Tree loan Consolidation Lending Tree loan Program.

Reduce your monthly payments on your non-federal (private/alternative) student loans and have more cash on hand..

Eligibility Highlights:.

You must consolidate at least $7,500 in eligible private student loans.

You or your co-borrower must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Apply Online Now.

For HEAL loans — the HEAL Refinance Program.

Lock in a lower interest rate margin and save when you refinance your HEAL loans..

Eligibility Highlights:.

You must refinance all eligible Federal HEAL loans.

You are in an internship/residency status, in your grace period, or in active repayment.

Apply Now.

As your complete source for educational financing solutions, CFS also offers convenient and affordable PLUS Lending Tree loan and Private Education Lending Tree loan programs...