Agreements with eligible lenders
Agreement required for insurance coverage
Insurance coverage of consolidation loans
section 1079(e) of this titlesection 1078(c) of this titlesection 1078(f) of this titleExcept as provided in , no contract of insurance under this part shall apply to a consolidation loan unless such loan is made under an agreement pursuant to this section and is covered by a certificate issued in accordance with subsection (b)(2). Loans covered by such a certificate that is issued by a guaranty agency shall be considered to be insured loans for the purposes of reimbursements under , but no payment shall be made with respect to such loans under to any such agency.
Definition of eligible borrower
“Eligible student loans” defined
Contents of agreements, certificates of insurance, and loan notes
Agreements with lenders
Issuance of certificate of comprehensive insurance coverage
section 1079(b) of this titleThe Secretary shall issue a certificate of comprehensive insurance coverage under to a lender which has entered into an agreement with the Secretary under paragraph (1) of this subsection. The guaranty agency may issue a certificate of comprehensive insurance coverage to a lender with which it has an agreement under such paragraph. The Secretary shall not issue a certificate to a lender described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of subsection (a)(1) unless the Secretary determines that such lender has first applied to, and has been denied a certificate of insurance by, the guaranty agency which insures the preponderance of its loans (by value).
Contents of certificate
Terms and conditions of loans
Direct loans
section 1087e(m) of this titleosection 1098e of this titlesection 1087e(m) of this titlesection 1087e(m)(1)(A) of this titleIf, before , a borrower is unable to obtain a consolidation loan from a lender with an agreement under subsection (a)(1), or is unable to obtain a consolidation loan with income-sensitive repayment terms or income-based repayment terms acceptable to the borrower from such a lender, or chooses to obtain a consolidation loan for the purposes of using the public service loan forgiveness program offered under , the Secretary shall offer any such borrower who applies for it, a Federal Direct Consolidation loan. In addition, in the event that a borrower chooses to obtain a consolidation loan for the purposes of using the no accrual of interest for active duty service members program offered under section 1087e() of this title, the Secretary shall offer a Federal Direct Consolidation loan to any such borrower who applies for participation in such program. A direct consolidation loan offered under this paragraph shall, as requested by the borrower, be repaid either pursuant to income contingent repayment under part D of this subchapter, pursuant to income-based repayment under , or pursuant to any other repayment provision under this section, except that if a borrower intends to be eligible to use the public service loan forgiveness program under , such loan shall be repaid using one of the repayment options described in . The Secretary shall not offer such loans if, in the Secretary’s judgment, the Department of Education does not have the necessary origination and servicing arrangements in place for such loans.
Nondiscrimination in loan consolidation
Payment of principal and interest
Interest rate
Repayment schedules
Additional repayment requirements
Commencement of repayment
Repayment of a consolidation loan shall commence within 60 days after all holders have, pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(D), discharged the liability of the borrower on the loans selected for consolidation.
Insurance premiums prohibited
No insurance premium shall be charged to the borrower on any consolidation loan, and no insurance premium shall be payable by the lender to the Secretary with respect to any such loan, but a fee may be payable by the lender to the guaranty agency to cover the costs of increased or extended liability with respect to such loan.
Special program authorized
General rule and definition of eligible student loan
In general
Subject to the provisions of this subsection, the Secretary or a guaranty agency shall enter into agreements with eligible lenders described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of subsection (a)(1) for the consolidation of eligible student loans.
Applicability rule
Unless otherwise provided in this subsection, the agreements entered into under subparagraph (A) and the loans made under such agreements for the consolidation of eligible student loans under this subsection shall have the same terms, conditions, and benefits as all other agreements and loans made under this section.
“Eligible student loans” defined
Interest rate rule
In general
The portion of each consolidated loan that is attributable to an eligible student loan described in paragraph (1)(C)(ii) shall bear interest at a rate not to exceed the rate determined under subparagraph (B).
Determination of the maximum interest rate
For the 12-month period beginning after , and for each 12-month period thereafter, beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, the interest rate applicable under subparagraph (A) shall be equal to the average of the bond equivalent rates of the 91-day Treasury bills auctioned for the quarter prior to July 1, for each 12-month period for which the determination is made, plus 3 percent.
Publication of maximum interest rate
The Secretary shall determine the applicable rate of interest under subparagraph (B) after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and shall publish such rate in the Federal Register as soon as practicable after the date of such determination.
Special rules
No special allowance rule
section 1087–1 of this titleNo special allowance under shall be paid with respect to the portion of any consolidated loan under this subsection that is attributable to any loan described in paragraph (1)(C)(ii).
No interest subsidy rule
section 1078(a) of this titleNo interest subsidy under shall be paid on behalf of any eligible borrower for any portion of a consolidated loan under this subsection that is attributable to any loan described in paragraph (1)(C)(ii).
Additional reserve rule
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, additional reserves shall not be required for any guaranty agency with respect to a loan made under this subsection.
Insurance rule
42 U.S.C. 29242 U.S.C. 292iAny insurance premium paid by the borrower under subpart I of part A of title VII of the Public Health Service Act [ et seq.] with respect to a loan made under that subpart and consolidated under this subsection shall be retained by the student loan insurance account established under section 710 of the Public Health Service Act [].
Regulations
The Secretary is authorized to promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to facilitate carrying out the provisions of this subsection.
Termination of authority
section 1074(a) of this titleThe authority to make loans under this section expires at the close of . No loan may be made under this section for which the disbursement is on or after . Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the Secretary to promulgate rules or regulations governing the terms or conditions of the agreements and certificates under subsection (b). Loans made under this section which are insured by the Secretary shall be considered to be new loans made to students for the purpose of .
Interest payment rebate fee
In general
For any month beginning on or after , each holder of a consolidation loan under this section for which the first disbursement was made on or after , shall pay to the Secretary, on a monthly basis and in such manner as the Secretary shall prescribe, a rebate fee calculated on an annual basis equal to 1.05 percent of the principal plus accrued unpaid interest on such loan.
Special rule
For consolidation loans based on applications received during the period from through , inclusive, the rebate described in paragraph (1) shall be equal to 0.62 percent of the principal plus accrued unpaid interest on such loan.
Deposit
section 1081 of this titleThe Secretary shall deposit all fees collected pursuant to this subsection into the insurance fund established in .
Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, § 428CPub. L. 99–498, title IV, § 402(a)100 Stat. 1388Pub. L. 100–50, § 10(s)101 Stat. 345Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, § 419106 Stat. 532Pub. L. 102–408, title III, § 306(a)106 Stat. 2084Pub. L. 103–66, title IV107 Stat. 360Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(c)(33)107 Stat. 2466Pub. L. 103–382, title III, § 356108 Stat. 3967Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, § 101(e) [title VI, § 602(b)(1)(A)(ii)]110 Stat. 3009–233Pub. L. 105–33, title VI, § 6104(3)111 Stat. 652Pub. L. 105–78, title VI, § 609(b)111 Stat. 1522Pub. L. 105–244, title IV112 Stat. 1682Pub. L. 107–139, § 1(a)(2)116 Stat. 8Pub. L. 109–171, title VIII120 Stat. 158Pub. L. 109–234, title VII, § 7015(a)120 Stat. 485Pub. L. 110–84, title II, § 203(b)(1)121 Stat. 794Pub. L. 110–315, title IV122 Stat. 3233–3235Pub. L. 111–39, title IV, § 402(c)(1)123 Stat. 1940Pub. L. 111–152, title II, § 2206(a)124 Stat. 1075Pub. L. 117–200, § 2(b)136 Stat. 2221Pub. L. 119–21, title VIII, § 82001(c)(2)(B)139 Stat. 340(, as added , , ; amended , , ; , , ; , (b), , , 2086; , §§ 4046(a), (b)(2), 4106(a), , , 363, 368; –(37), , ; , , ; , , , 3009–283; , , ; –(e), , , 1523; , §§ 416(b)(2), 420, , , 1695; , , ; , §§ 8004(b)(3), 8009(a), (b)(2), (c), , , 163, 164; , (c), (d), , ; , (2), , , 795; , §§ 425(a)–(b)(2), (c), (d)(1), (e), 432(b)(3), , , 3246; , (f)(3), , , 1943; , , ; , , ; , , .)
Amendment of Section
Pub. L. 119–21, title VIII, § 82001(c)(2)(B)139 Stat. 340, (3), , , 341, provided that, effective on , this section is amended as follows:
section 1087e(q) of this titlesection 1098e of this title(1) in subsection (a)(3)(B)(i)(V)(aa), by striking “for the purposes of obtaining income contingent repayment or income-based repayment” and inserting “for the purposes of qualifying for an income-based repayment plan under or , as applicable”;
section 1098e of this titlesection 1098e of this title(2) in subsection (b)(5), by striking “be repaid either pursuant to income contingent repayment under part D of this title, pursuant to income-based repayment under , or pursuant to any other repayment provision under this section” and inserting “be repaid pursuant to an income-based repayment plan under or any other repayment provision under this section”; and
(3) in subsection (c)—
section 1098e of this title(A) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking “or by the terms of repayment pursuant to income contingent repayment offered by the Secretary under subsection (b)(5)” and inserting “or by the terms of repayment pursuant to an income-based repayment plan under ”; and
section 1098e of this title(B) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking “except as required by the terms of repayment pursuant to income contingent repayment offered by the Secretary under subsection (b)(5)” and inserting “except as required by the terms of repayment pursuant to an income-based repayment plan under ”.
See 2025 Amendment notes below.
Editorial Notes
References in Text
act July 1, 1944, ch. 37358 Stat. 682section 201 of Title 42The Public Health Service Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(4)(D), (E) and (d)(1)(C)(ii), (3)(D), is , . Subparts I and II of part A of title VII of the Act are classified generally to subpart I (§ 292 et seq.) and subpart II (§ 292q et seq.), respectively, of part A of subchapter V of chapter 6A of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Part E of title VIII of the Act is classified generally to part E (§ 297a et seq.) of subchapter VI of chapter 6A of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under and Tables.
Codification
Pub. L. 103–208Pub. L. 102–325Pub. L. 102–325Pub. L. 103–66Amendments by section 2(c)(33), (36) of (which were effective as if included in ) were executed to this section as amended by and , to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Prior Provisions
Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, § 428CPub. L. 99–272, title XVI, § 16017(a)100 Stat. 343Pub. L. 99–498A prior section 1078–3, , as added , , , related to consolidation loans, prior to the general revision of this part by .
Amendments
Pub. L. 119–21, § 82001(c)(2)(B)(i)section 1087e(q) of this titlesection 1098e of this title2025—Subsec. (a)(3)(B)(i)(V)(aa). , substituted “for the purposes of qualifying for an income-based repayment plan under or , as applicable” for “for the purposes of obtaining income contingent repayment or income-based repayment”.
Pub. L. 119–21, § 82001(c)(2)(B)(ii)section 1098e of this titlesection 1098e of this titleSubsec. (b)(5). , substituted “be repaid pursuant to an income-based repayment plan under or any other repayment provision under this section” for “be repaid either pursuant to income contingent repayment under part D of this subchapter, pursuant to income-based repayment under , or pursuant to any other repayment provision under this section”.
Pub. L. 119–21, § 82001(c)(2)(B)(iii)(I)section 1098e of this titleSubsec. (c)(2)(A). , substituted “or by the terms of repayment pursuant to an income-based repayment plan under ” for “or by the terms of repayment pursuant to income contingent repayment offered by the Secretary under subsection (b)(5)”.
Pub. L. 119–21, § 82001(c)(2)(B)(iii)(II)section 1098e of this titleSubsec. (c)(3)(B). , substituted “except as required by the terms of repayment pursuant to an income-based repayment plan under ” for “except as required by the terms of repayment pursuant to income contingent repayment offered by the Secretary under subsection (b)(5)”.
Pub. L. 117–2002022—Subsec. (a)(3)(B)(i)(V)(dd). added item (dd).
Pub. L. 111–152, § 2206(a)(1)2010—Subsec. (a)(4)(A). , inserted “, and first disbursed before ” after “under this part”.
Pub. L. 111–152, § 2206(a)(2)(A)Subsec. (b)(1)(E). , inserted “, and before ” before semicolon.
Pub. L. 111–152, § 2206(a)(2)(B)Subsec. (b)(5). , substituted “If, before ,” for “In the event that”.
Pub. L. 111–152, § 2206(a)(3)(A)Subsec. (c)(1)(A)(ii). , inserted “and that is disbursed before ,” after “2006,”.
Pub. L. 111–152, § 2206(a)(3)(B)Subsec. (c)(1)(C). , inserted “and disbursed before ,” after “1994,”.
Pub. L. 111–152, § 2206(a)(4)Subsec. (e). , substituted “. No loan may be made under this section for which the disbursement is on or after .” for “.”
Pub. L. 111–39, § 402(f)(3)(A)2009—Subsec. (a)(4)(E). , substituted “part E” for “subpart II of part B”.
Pub. L. 111–39, § 402(f)(3)(B)Subsec. (c)(2)(A). , in introductory provisions, substituted “subsection (b)(2)” for “subsection (b)(2)(F)” and inserted comma after “graduated”.
Pub. L. 111–39, § 402(c)(1)section 1098e of this titlesection 1098e of this titleSubsec. (c)(3)(A). , substituted “,” for “”.
Pub. L. 111–39, § 402(f)(3)(C)Subsec. (d)(3)(D). , substituted “loan insurance account” for “loan insurance fund”.
Pub. L. 111–39, § 402(f)(3)(D)Subsec. (f)(3). , substituted “this subsection” for “subsection (a) of this section”.
Pub. L. 110–315, § 425(a)2008—Subsec. (a)(3)(B)(i)(V)(cc). , added item (cc).
Pub. L. 110–315, § 425(b)(1)Subsec. (b)(1)(F), (G). , added subpar. (F) and redesignated former subpar. (F) as (G).
Pub. L. 110–315, § 432(b)(3)(A)Subsec. (b)(4)(E)(i). , substituted “consumer reporting agencies” for “credit bureau organizations”.
Pub. L. 110–315, § 432(b)(3)(B)Subsec. (b)(4)(E)(ii). , substituted “consumer reporting agencies” for “organizations”.
Pub. L. 110–315, § 425(c)Pub. L. 110–84, § 203(b)(2)(C)Subsec. (b)(5). , made technical correction to directory language of . See 2007 Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 110–315, § 425(b)(2)o, substituted “A direct consolidation loan offered under this paragraph” for “Such direct consolidation loan” and inserted after first sentence “In addition, in the event that a borrower chooses to obtain a consolidation loan for the purposes of using the no accrual of interest for active duty service members program offered under section 1087e() of this title, the Secretary shall offer a Federal Direct Consolidation loan to any such borrower who applies for participation in such program.”
Pub. L. 110–315, § 425(d)(1)(A)Subsec. (c)(2)(A). , in introductory provisions, substituted “income-sensitive, or income-based” for “or income-sensitive” and inserted “or income-based” after “such income-sensitive”.
Pub. L. 110–315, § 425(d)(1)(B)section 1098e of this titleSubsec. (c)(3). , inserted “except in the case of an income-based repayment schedule under ” before “a repayment schedule” in subpar. (A) and added subpar. (C).
Pub. L. 110–315, § 425(e)Subsec. (e). , substituted “2014” for “2012”.
Pub. L. 110–84, § 203(b)(1)(A)section 1087e(g) of this title2007—Subsec. (a)(3)(B)(i)(V). , amended subcl. (V) generally. Prior to amendment, subcl. (V) read as follows: “an individual may obtain a subsequent consolidation loan under only for the purposes of obtaining an income contingent repayment plan, and only if the loan has been submitted to the guaranty agency for default aversion.”
Pub. L. 110–84, § 203(b)(2)(A)Subsec. (a)(3)(B)(i)(V)(aa). , substituted “income contingent repayment or income-based repayment,” for “an income contingent repayment plan,” and inserted “or if the loan is already in default” before semicolon.
Pub. L. 110–84, § 203(b)(2)(C)Pub. L. 110–315, § 425(c)section 1098e of this titleSubsec. (b)(5). , as amended by , inserted “, pursuant to income-based repayment under ,” after “part D of this subchapter” in third sentence.
Pub. L. 110–84, § 203(b)(2)(B), inserted “or income-based repayment terms” after “income-sensitive repayment terms” in first sentence.
Pub. L. 110–84, § 203(b)(1)(B)section 1087e(m) of this titlesection 1087e(m) of this titlesection 1087e(m)(1)(A) of this title, (C), inserted “or chooses to obtain a consolidation loan for the purposes of using the public service loan forgiveness program offered under ,” after “from such a lender,” in first sentence and “, except that if a borrower intends to be eligible to use the public service loan forgiveness program under , such loan shall be repaid using one of the repayment options described in ” before period at end of second sentence.
Pub. L. 109–171, § 8009(b)(2)section 1078(b)(7)(A) of this title2006—Subsec. (a)(3)(A)(ii)(I). , inserted “as determined under ” after “repayment status”.
Pub. L. 109–171, § 8009(a)(1)(A)section 1087e(g) of this titlesection 1087e(g) of this titleSubsec. (a)(3)(B)(i). , (B), substituted “under this section or under terminates under both sections upon receipt of a consolidation loan under this section or under ” for “under this section terminates upon receipt of a consolidation loan under this section”.
Pub. L. 109–171, § 8009(a)(1)(C)Subsec. (a)(3)(B)(i)(V). –(E), added subcl. (V).
Pub. L. 109–171, § 8009(c)Subsec. (a)(3)(C). , struck out subpar. (C), which read as follows:
“(C)(i) A married couple, each of whom has eligible student loans, may be treated as if such couple were an individual borrowing under subparagraphs (A) and (B) if such couple agrees to be held jointly and severally liable for the repayment of a consolidation loan, without regard to the amounts of the respective loan obligations that are to be consolidated, and without regard to any subsequent change that may occur in such couple’s marital status.
“(ii) Only one spouse in a married couple applying for a consolidation loan under this subparagraph need meet any of the requirements of subsection (b) of this section, except that each spouse shall—
“(I) individually make the initial certification that no other application is pending in accordance with subsection (b)(1)(A) of this section; and
“(II) agree to notify the holder concerning any change of address in accordance with subsection (b)(4) of this section.”
Pub. L. 109–234, § 7015(a)Subsec. (b)(1)(A). , struck out “and (i) the lender holds an outstanding loan of that borrower which is selected by the borrower for consolidation under this section, except that this clause shall not apply in the case of a borrower with multiple holders of loans under this part, or (ii) the borrower certifies that the borrower has sought and has been unable to obtain a consolidation loan with income-sensitive repayment terms from the holders of the outstanding loans of that borrower (which are so selected for consolidation)” after “loan under this section”.
Pub. L. 109–234, § 7015(c)Subsec. (b)(5). , reenacted heading without change and substituted in text “In the event that a borrower is unable to obtain a consolidation loan from a lender with an agreement under subsection (a)(1), or is unable to obtain a consolidation loan with income-sensitive repayment terms acceptable to the borrower from such a lender, the Secretary shall offer any such borrower who applies for it, a Federal Direct Consolidation loan. Such direct consolidation loan” for “In the event that a borrower is unable to obtain a consolidation loan from a lender with an agreement under subsection (a)(1) of this section, or is unable to obtain a consolidation loan with income-sensitive repayment terms acceptable to the borrower from such a lender, the Secretary shall offer any such borrower who applies for it, a direct consolidation loan. Such direct consolidation loan”.
Pub. L. 109–171, § 8009(a)(2)Pub. L. 109–234, § 7015(d), which directed substitution of “In the event that a lender with an agreement under subsection (a)(1) of this section denies a consolidation loan application submitted to the lender by an eligible borrower under this section, or denies an application submitted to the lender by such a borrower for a consolidation loan with income-sensitive repayment terms, the Secretary shall offer any such borrower who applies for it, a Federal Direct Consolidation loan. The Secretary shall offer such a loan to a borrower who has defaulted, for the purpose of resolving the default.” for first sentence, was repealed by . See Effective Date of 2006 Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 109–171, § 8004(b)(3)Subsec. (e). , substituted “2012” for “2004”.
Pub. L. 107–139section 1077a(k)(4) of this title2002—Subsec. (c)(1)(A). amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: “Notwithstanding subparagraphs (B) and (C), with respect to any loan made under this section for which the application is received by an eligible lender on or after , and before , the applicable interest rate shall be determined under .”
Pub. L. 105–244, § 420(a)1998—Subsec. (a)(3). , amended heading, added subpars. (A) and (B), and struck out former subpars. (A) and (B) which defined the term “eligible borrower”, provided for termination of individual’s status as an eligible borrower, and provided for counting loans against certain limitations on aggregate indebtedness.
Pub. L. 105–244, § 420(b)Subsec. (a)(4)(C). , added subpar. (C) and struck out former subpar. (C) which read as follows: “made under part D of this subchapter, except that loans made under such part shall be eligible student loans only for consolidation loans for which the application is received by an eligible lender during the period beginning on , and ending on ;”.
Pub. L. 105–244, § 420(c)(1)Subsec. (b)(1)(A)(i). , inserted “except that this clause shall not apply in the case of a borrower with multiple holders of loans under this part,” after “under this section,”.
Pub. L. 105–244, § 420(c)(2)Subsec. (b)(4)(C)(ii). , inserted “during any such period” after “and be paid” in introductory provisions and struck out “, or on or after ,” before “that consolidated” in subcl. (I) and “and before ,” before “except that” in subcl. (II).
Pub. L. 105–244, § 420(c)(3)Subsec. (b)(6)(A). , inserted before semicolon at end “, except that a lender is not required to consolidate loans described in subparagraph (D) or (E) of subsection (a)(4) or subsection (d)(1)(C)(ii)”.
Pub. L. 105–244, § 420(b)(2)section 1087–1(b)(2) of this titleSubsec. (c)(1). , amended heading, added subpar. (A), and struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: “Consolidation loans made under this section shall bear interest at rates determined under subparagraph (B), (C), or (D). For the purposes of payment of special allowances under , the interest rate required by this subsection is the applicable interest rate with respect to a consolidation loan.”
Pub. L. 105–244, § 420(d)Subsec. (e). , substituted “” for “”.
Pub. L. 105–244, § 420(e)Subsec. (f)(2), (3). , added par. (2) and redesignated former par. (2) as (3).
Pub. L. 105–78, § 609(b)1997—Subsec. (a)(4)(C) to (E). , added subpar. (C) and redesignated former subpars. (C) and (D) as (D) and (E), respectively.
Pub. L. 105–78, § 609(c)(1)Subsec. (b)(4)(C)(ii)(I). , (2), inserted “for which the application is received by an eligible lender before , or on or after ,” after “consolidation loan” and struck out “or” at end.
Pub. L. 105–78, § 609(c)(3)Subsec. (b)(4)(C)(ii)(II), (III). –(5), added subcl. (II) and redesignated former subcl. (II) as (III) and inserted “or (II)” before semicolon at end.
Pub. L. 105–78, § 609(d)Subsec. (b)(6). , added par. (6).
Pub. L. 105–78, § 609(e)(1)Subsec. (c)(1)(A). , substituted “subparagraph (B), (C), or (D)” for “subparagraph (B) or (D)”.
Pub. L. 105–78, § 609(e)(2)Subsec. (c)(1)(D). , added subpar. (D).
Pub. L. 105–33Subsec. (e). substituted “.” for “.”
Pub. L. 104–208section 1087–3 of this title1996—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). inserted “or the Holding Company of the Student Loan Marketing Association, including any subsidiary of the Holding Company, created pursuant to ” after “Student Loan Marketing Association”.
Pub. L. 103–3821994—Subsec. (a)(4)(D). added subpar. (D).
Pub. L. 103–66, § 4046(a)(1)1993—Subsec. (a)(3). , amended heading.
Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(c)(33)Subsec. (a)(3)(A). , substituted “defaulted borrower who has made arrangements to repay the obligation on the defaulted loans satisfactory to the holders of the defaulted loans” for “delinquent or defaulted borrower who will reenter repayment through loan consolidation”. See Codification note above.
Pub. L. 103–66, § 4046(a)(1), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: “For the purpose of this section, the term ‘eligible borrower’ means a borrower who, at the time of application for a consolidation loan—
“(i) has an outstanding indebtedness on eligible student loans, at the time of application for a consolidation loan, of not less than $7,500; and
“(ii) is in repayment status, or in a grace period preceding repayment, or is a delinquent or defaulted borrower who will reenter repayment through loan consolidation.”
Pub. L. 103–66, § 4046(b)(2)Subsec. (a)(3)(B)(ii). , struck out at end “Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to authorize the Secretary to require lenders, holders, or guarantors of consolidated loans to receive, to maintain, or to make reports with respect to preexisting records relating to any eligible student loan (as defined under paragraph (4)) discharged by a borrower in receiving a consolidation loan.”
Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(c)(34)section 1078–2 of this titleSubsec. (a)(4)(A). , struck out before semicolon at end “, except for loans made to parent borrowers under as in effect prior to ”.
Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(c)(35)Subsec. (a)(4)(C). , substituted “part A” for “part C” before “of title VII of the Public Health Service Act”.
Pub. L. 103–66, § 4046(a)(2)(A)Subsec. (b)(1)(A), (E), (F). , inserted “with income-sensitive repayment terms” after “obtain a consolidation loan” in subpar. (A)(ii), added subpar. (E), and redesignated former subpar. (E) as (F).
Pub. L. 103–66, § 4046(a)(2)(B)section 1078(b)(1)(M) of this titleSubsec. (b)(4)(C). , amended subpar. (C) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (C) read as follows: “provides that periodic installments of principal need not be paid, but interest shall accrue and be paid by the Secretary, during any period for which the borrower would be eligible for a deferral under , and that any such period shall not be included in determining the repayment period pursuant to subsection (c)(2) of this section;”.
Pub. L. 103–66, § 4046(a)(2)(C)Subsec. (b)(5). , added par. (5).
Pub. L. 103–66, § 4046(a)(3)(A)Subsec. (c)(1)(B), (C). , amended subpars. (B) and (C) generally. Prior to amendment, subpars. (B) and (C) read as follows:
“(B) Except as provided in subparagraph (C), a consolidation loan shall bear interest at an annual rate on the unpaid principal balance of the loan which is equal to the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans consolidated, rounded to the nearest whole percent.
“(C) A consolidation loan shall bear interest at an annual rate on the unpaid principal balance of the loan equal to not less than 9 percent.”
Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(c)(36)Subsec. (c)(2)(A). , inserted period at end of cl. (vi). See Codification note above.
Pub. L. 103–66, § 4046(a)(3)(B)(i), in introductory provisions substituted “income-sensitive repayment schedules, established by the lender in accordance with the regulations of the Secretary. Except as required by such income-sensitive repayment schedules, or by the terms of repayment pursuant to income contingent repayment offered by the Secretary under subsection (b)(5), such repayment terms” for “income sensitive repayment schedules. Such repayment terms”, added cl. (i), and redesignated former cls. (i) to (v) as (ii) to (vi), respectively.
Pub. L. 103–66, § 4046(a)(3)(B)(ii)Subsec. (c)(2)(B), (C). , (iii), redesignated subpar. (C) as (B) and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: “Unless a consolidation loan under subparagraph (A)(ii) will be used to discharge at least $5,000 of loans made under this part, such loan shall be repaid in accordance with subparagraph (A)(i).”
Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(c)(37)Subsec. (c)(3)(A). , inserted “be an amount” before “equal to”.
Pub. L. 103–66, § 4046(a)(3)(C)Subsec. (c)(3)(B). , inserted “except as required by the terms of repayment pursuant to income contingent repayment offered by the Secretary under subsection (b)(5),” before “the lender”.
Pub. L. 103–66, § 4106(a)Subsec. (f). , added subsec. (f).
Pub. L. 102–325, § 419(a)1992—, substituted “Federal consolidation” for “Consolidation” in section catchline.
Pub. L. 102–325, § 419(b)(1)(A)Subsec. (a)(3)(A)(i). , substituted “$7,500” for “$5,000”.
Pub. L. 102–325, § 419(b)(1)(B)Subsec. (a)(3)(A)(ii). , amended cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (ii) read as follows: “is in repayment status, or in a grace period preceding repayment, and is not delinquent with respect to any required payment on such indebtedness by more than 90 days.”
Pub. L. 102–325, § 419(c)Subsec. (a)(3)(B). , amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: “An individual’s status as an eligible borrower under this section terminates upon receipt of a consolidation loan under this section except with respect to eligible student loans received after the date of receipt of the consolidation loan. Loans made under this section shall, to the extent used to discharge loans made under this subchapter, be counted against the applicable limitations on aggregate indebtedness contained in sections 1075(a)(2), 1078(b)(1)(B), 1078–1(b)(2), and 1087dd(a)(2) of this title. Nothing in this subparagraph shall be interpreted to authorize the Secretary to require lenders, holders, or guarantors of consolidation loans to receive, to maintain, or to make reports with respect to pre-existing records relating to any eligible student loan (as defined under subsection (a)(4) of this section) discharged by a borrower in receiving a consolidation loan.”
Pub. L. 102–325, § 419(d)Subsec. (a)(3)(C). , added subpar. (C).
Pub. L. 102–325, § 419(b)(2)section 1078–2 of this titlesection 1078–2 of this titleSubsec. (a)(4)(A). , amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: “made, insured, or guaranteed under this part, except for loans made to parent borrowers under , including loans made to parent borrowers under as in effect prior to ;”.
Pub. L. 102–325, § 419(e)section 1078(b)(1)(M) of this titleSubsec. (b)(4)(C). , amended subpar. (C) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (C) read as follows: “provides that periodic installments of principal need not be paid, but interest shall accrue and be paid, during any period for which the borrower would be eligible for a deferral under clause (i), (viii), or (ix) of , and that any such period shall not be included in determining the repayment period pursuant to subsection (c)(2) of this section;”.
Pub. L. 102–325, § 419(f)Subsec. (c)(2)(A). , substituted “which shall include” for “which may include” in first sentence, inserted second sentence, and struck out former second sentence which read as follows: “Such repayment terms shall require that if the sum of the consolidation loan and the amount outstanding on other student loans to the individual—
“(i) is equal to or greater than $5,000 but less than $7,500, then such consolidation loan shall be repaid in not more than 10 years;
“(ii) is equal to or greater than $7,500 but less than $10,000, then such consolidation loan shall be repaid in not more than 12 years;
“(iii) is equal to or greater than $10,000 but less than $20,000, then such consolidation loan shall be repaid in not more than 15 years;
“(iv) is equal to or greater than $20,000 but less than $45,000, then such consolidation loan shall be repaid in not more than 20 years; or
“(v) is equal to or greater than $45,000, then such consolidation loan shall be repaid in not more than 25 years.”
Pub. L. 102–408, § 306(a)Subsec. (d). , added subsec. (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).
Pub. L. 102–325, § 419(g), substituted “” for “”.
Pub. L. 102–408, § 306(b)Pub. L. 102–325, § 419(g)Subsec. (e). , which directed the substitution of “1997” for “1992”, could not be executed because “1992” did not appear in text subsequent to the amendment by . See above.
Pub. L. 102–408, § 306(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (d) as subsec. (e).
Pub. L. 100–50, § 10(s)(1)1987—Subsec. (a)(1)(C). , which directed the amendment of subpar. (C) by substituting “(C), (E), and (J)” for “(C) and (E)”, was executed by substituting the new language for “(C), and (E)”, as the probable intent of Congress.
Pub. L. 100–50, § 10(s)(2)section 1078–2 of this titleSubsec. (a)(3)(A). , struck out cl. (iii) which read as follows: “is not a parent borrower under .”
Pub. L. 100–50, § 10(s)(3)Subsec. (a)(3)(B). , substituted “eligible student loans received” for “loans received under this subchapter”, “under this subchapter” for “under this part”, and “, 1078(b)(1)(B), 1078–1(b)(2), and 1087dd(a)(2) of this title” for “and 1078(b)(1)(B) of this title”, and inserted provision that nothing in subpar. (B) should be interpreted to authorize Secretary to require lenders, holders, or guarantors of consolidation loans to make reports with respect to pre-existing records relating to eligible student loans discharged by a borrower in receiving a consolidation loan.
Pub. L. 100–50, § 10(s)(4)section 1078–2 of this titleSubsec. (a)(4)(A). , inserted exception for loans made to parent borrowers under .
Pub. L. 100–50, § 10(s)(5)Subsec. (b)(1)(C). , in cl. (i), substituted “subsection (a)(3)” for “subsection (a)(2)” and, in cl. (ii), substituted “all eligible student loans received by the eligible borrower” for “all loans received by the eligible borrower under this subchapter”.
Pub. L. 100–50, § 10(s)(6)Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(v). , substituted “equal to or greater” for “more” the first time appearing, as the probable intent of Congress.
Pub. L. 100–50, § 10(s)(7)Subsec. (c)(5). , inserted “, but a fee may be payable by the lender to the guaranty agency to cover the costs of increased or extended liability with respect to such loan” before period at end.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2025 Amendment
Pub. L. 119–21section 82001(c)(3) of Pub. L. 119–21section 1078 of this titleAmendment by effective , see , set out as a note under .
Effective Date of 2009 Amendment
Pub. L. 111–39Pub. L. 110–315section 3 of Pub. L. 111–39section 1001 of this titleAmendment by effective as if enacted on the date of enactment of (), except as otherwise provided, see , set out as a note under .
Pub. L. 111–39, title IV, § 402(c)(2)123 Stat. 1941
Effective Date of 2008 Amendment
Pub. L. 110–315, title IV, § 425(d)(2)122 Stat. 3235
Effective Date of 2007 Amendment
Pub. L. 110–84, title II, § 203(c)121 Stat. 795
In general .—
Exception .—
Effective Date of 2006 Amendment
Pub. L. 109–234, title VII, § 7015(b)120 Stat. 485
Pub. L. 109–171section 8001(c) of Pub. L. 109–171section 1002 of this titleAmendment by effective , except as otherwise provided, see , set out as a note under .
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
section 416(b)(2) of Pub. L. 105–244section 416(c) of Pub. L. 105–244section 1077a of this titleAmendment by applicable with respect to any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this part for which the first disbursement is made on or after , and before , except that such amendment is applicable with respect to any loan made under this section for which application is received by an eligible lender on or after , and before , see , set out as a note under .
section 420 of Pub. L. 105–244Pub. L. 105–244section 3 of Pub. L. 105–244section 1001 of this titleAmendment by effective , except as otherwise provided in , see , set out as a note under .
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, § 101(e) [title VI, § 602(b)(1)(B)]110 Stat. 3009–233
Effective Date of 1993 Amendments
Pub. L. 103–208Pub. L. 102–325section 5(a) of Pub. L. 103–208section 1051 of this titleAmendment by effective as if included in the Higher Education Amendments of 1992, , except as otherwise provided, see , set out as a note under .
Pub. L. 103–66, title IV, § 4046(c)107 Stat. 363
Effective Date of 1992 Amendments
Pub. L. 102–408, title III, § 306(c)106 Stat. 2086
Pub. L. 102–325section 1078 of this titleAmendment by effective , except that changes made in this section, relating to consolidation loans, applicable with respect to loans for which the application is received by an eligible lender on or after , see section 432, set out as a note under .
Effective Date of 1987 Amendment
Pub. L. 100–50Pub. L. 99–498section 27 of Pub. L. 100–50section 1001 of this titleAmendment by effective as if enacted as part of the Higher Education Amendments of 1986, , see , set out as a note under .
Selection of Student Loan Servicer
Pub. L. 115–31, div. H, title III131 Stat. 549section 1087f of this title, , , which provided in part that the Secretary of Education must, no later than , allow student loan borrowers who are consolidating Federal student loans to select from any student loan servicer to service their new consolidated student loan, was transferred and is classified as a note under .
Pending Applicants
Pub. L. 105–78, title VI, § 609(f)111 Stat. 1523
Cost Evaluation Report
Pub. L. 99–272, title XVI, § 16017(d)100 Stat. 348