able bills unpaid higher month creditors eligibility credit benefit consolidation bank going monthly cards outstanding private conditions amount heal schedule terms deal making stafford consider period multiple factors complete repayment mind secured work payments number great penalties financial situation interested services lender school look question easier choose lenders talk debt important union federal rates answer process perkins parents student application course options graduate option secure specific payment fees lower • early grace looking fico longer consolidate rate full years loan online typically benefits health unsubsidized idea plus thing subsidized card government program back university income provided needed money funding college students life interest professional education remember finances high associated offer checklist