The Department of Education has a whole site dedicated to consolidating student loans. Here it is: http://www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov/
Consolidating student loans can save borrowers up to 50% on monthly loan payments. At StudentLoanConsolidator.com, you can learn how the consolidation process works, view interest rates, and get started consolidating both federal and private student loans.
There are numerous websites that offer some suggestions about consolidating private loans. The best resource to get information on consolidating private loans is the financial institution or banks that offer financial advisor services.
One goes about consolidating their loans by putting all loans into the lowest interest paying source. For example if one is paying 19% on their credit cards, they may reduce the amount by taking a loan out to pay it off, then have a 5% interest rate instead.
One benefit of consolidating your private and federal student loans is that it would lower your monthly payments. Another benefit of consolidating student loans is that the variable interest rate on the loan can be switched to a fixed interest rate.
Talk with whoever you got your student loans through. They will be able to tell you if you can consolidate your loans or not.
In the US, since interest rates just went down on July 1, your best option is for your son to consolidate the loans in only his name and he gets the benefit of locking the interest rate in. If you or your son need help consolidating the loans, click on the link at the bottom of this text box.
Consolidating private loans should not be a problem as long as you have a good credit score and have kept up with payments on your outstanding loans. Visit your existing loan companies or call and discuss your desire to consolidate.
You can consolidate your student loans by consulting a financial planner or consultant. You can check out these tips for more information: http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/15/student-loans-moneybuilder-personal-finance-consolidate.html
On the subject of alternatives to consolidating loans while facing debt problems, it may be worth the effort to consider getting oneself into some form of debt settlement.
In the US, the answer is no, unless you rehabilitate the defaulted loans for 12 months or unless you consolidate the loans. A person with defaulted federal loans is not eligible for additional federal assistance until the default status is rectified. Once the loans are rehabilitated or consolidated, you will then be eligible to go back to school and receive additional loans or grants. If you need help consolidating your federal student loans, click on the link below this text box.
In the United Kingdom, you can learn more about consolidating private loans through Halifax UK, which is a banking chain and the UK's largest provider of mortgages and personal savings accounts.
Yes, you can get an in-school deferment on your undergrad loans if you go back for masters.