I've got 14K in federal subsidized student loans (currently 4.7% interest) that are in a grace period until 6/16/06. I have 8K in Sallie Mae signature student loans (currently 10.75% interest) which are in grace until the same time period as well.

Anyone have recommendations as to:
1) Would I be better off to consolidate the federal and the private loans together? Don't they use a weighted average for the interest rates?
2) How can I get a better rate on the Sallie Mae loans...10.75% variable will drive me up a wall.

Your thoughts, suggestions, and/or experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Thanks for the info so far. A home equity loan is out of the question as I rent for the time being. My FICO scores are all above 700. I have been thinking about trying to get a personal loan...but it's only worth it if I can get a lower interest rate than what Sallie Mae is charging me now. I have about $1,500 put away that I'd rather not spend on paying off these loans but if it means much less interest going to Sallie Mae then it's worth it to me.