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USI Alumni Association
Connect Online Nancy Johnson, Editor
Issue 2: June 2002
USI alumni and friends will receive this newsletter quarterly. You may subscribe to or unsubscribe from Connect Online at anytime by sending an email message to alumni@usi.edu.

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Consolidating Student Loans

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities has released information to assist graduates who are considering consolidating their federal student loans. Borrowers should be aware that some independent financial entities appear to be encouraging immediate consolidation without disclosing the following.

*Effective July 1, 2002, new consolidated loans will have a lower interest rate. The rate as of July 1 will be approximately 4 percent and will be set for the life of the loan.

*Borrowers should question those offering to consolidate their loans regarding benefits they could lose with a consolidated loan. One example of lost benefits would be if the federal government offers loan forgiveness provisions for teachers. If the teacher has already consolidated his or her loans, the loan forgiveness provision may not apply.

*The lower interest rate occurs because the interest rates on most federal student loans are variable, but the interest rate on a federal consolidated loan is a fixed rate and locked in for the life of the loan. Interest rates on federal Stafford loans are recalculated annually each July 1, and fluctuate with the rate of short-term federal securities.

If you have any questions about consolidating loan information, contact the U.S. Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Ombudsman at 877/557-2575.

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