Gather your student loan documents together from all your loans, and if applicable, different servicing lenders. If you are unsure about who is servicing your loans or how much you may owe, you can visit the National Student Loan Data System (see Resources) for more information.
Ensure that you are eligible for consolidation. If you have graduated or are otherwise out of school or attending half-time or less, your Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) and Direct Stafford Loans are probably eligible for consolidation. If you are in default on your loans, you may have to meet certain other requirements. If you are in doubt, contact your lenders.
Contact the lender or lenders that have serviced your loans, as determined in Step 1, and request information on consolidating your loans. Depending on the lender and types of loans, you may be able to apply for a consolidation loan over the phone or online. Other lenders will send you a paper application in the mail.
Read the promissory note that accompanies your consolidation application. This promissory note will have details about your repayment schedule, interest rate and other factors that are specific to your particular loan. Contact your lender's customer service department if you have specific questions.
Fill out the required application, and provide signatures and references as necessary.