You can enroll in the special consolidation direct loan program before the 20th of this month I believe. That docks a half percent of your interest. I also plan to enroll in the Income Based Repayment (IBR) plan upon graduation. It seems tailor made for newly minted audiologists (crazy amount of loans, salary that doesn't match up to it), especially if you take a federal job. I believe VA audiologists would qualify. Outstanding debt is forgiven after 10 years and the remaining amount is not taxed. For non-federal jobs, it's 20 years and the remaining amount is taxable. That's not bad considering the lowered monthly payments. There's a lot more information out there.
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