Many of my classmates have passed away Since that long ago June graduation day Jimmy, Danny, Martin, Linton, David and Charlotte Lee Are some of those no longer around for me to see

Our class president Richard Brice played music in string band He is now playing music in that heavenly land Franklin Evans and Ernest Hyler came over from Lee Street High I hope to see them again in that reunion in sky

1. Still in school, yes! Rates are low, but they're scheduled to go up. Your college loan payments will then remain as manageable as possible when you leave school. If you have graduated, or will be graduating this May or June, yes! Graduates can lock in historical low rates, and reduce their monthly payments more than half. You can lock in a rate even while still in school, and even if you have been out of school for a couple of years can get a good deal, too.

2. The newest twist in consolidation puzzle is "in school consolidation", affecting students who are currently enrolled and will be enrolled past July 1 consolidation. You can consolidate your existing college loans now to secure low rates for at least part of their student loan portfolio.

3. Consolidating could save thousands of dollars in interest payments on college loans. There are impending student loan rate changes and new interpretation of regulations by Department of Education, also, Congress is considering ending fixed-rate program. Experts are urging students to consolidate to relieve themselves of a higher debt load.

4. Many students and families are looking for a simple, clear answer about whether to consolidate college loans or not. The simple answer is to take some of bite out of debt by loan consolidation. You could live like a miser and save as much money as possible or consolidate your federal student loans now.

5. For students still in school, you have an opportunity to choose consolidation. Consolidating would put a college loan borrower into repayment status, but student can defer payments until after graduation by making a deferment request. Consolidating today can have payments put off until graduation.