newbie has ?'s about consolidation

[raeben]

I want to consolidate to lock in the low rate but I still have 3 semesters left and I already have about 13k in Direct loans which I would like to keep at 2.77. I've heard the only way to do that is to consolidate, but I don't know where to begin. I would like to keep the 13k in deferment until I graduate. Do I go to the local bank and ask? Like I said, I don't know where to start but I wouldn't want to pass up on locking in the low rate. Thanks!

[Luv4God]

No, you should contact your lender regarding consolidation for FFELP loans. or the Department of Education, if you have Direct Loans. Your local bank will probably not have adequate information regarding student loans. This website may be helpful http://loanconsolidation.ed.gov/

[tmimages]

If you are still in school (I am too), you can still consolidate and apply for deferment as well as forbearance - through http://www.usefc.com.