A couple tips:

1. Make sure you go with a *student* loan consolidator – not just a general debt consolidator. Student loans have special benefits that you would lose with generic debt consolidation.
2. You must consolidate your federal and private loans separately
3. Stick with a large, reputable lender who won’t just “flip” your loan.
4. By law, lenders are required to use the same interest rate formula for Federal consolidation Loans. However, many lenders offer interest-rate reductions for paying on time or via direct debit. It is important to read the fine print and understand how you become qualified for or disqualified for a lender’s borrower benefits programs. Beyond savings, borrowers should consider customer service, flexible repayment options, online account access and applications, reputation and industry experience when selecting a lender.

Additionally, since you have both private and federal, it might benefit you to find a lender that can consolidate both – that way you can have one bill and one place to manage your account.

Sallie Mae has lots of info on consolidation – including FAQs and calculators that can help you see what your payment will be. http://www.salliemae.com/after_graduation/manage_your_loans/consolidate_student_loans/student_loan_consolidation.htm

Now rates have gone somewhat higher, and are in an unstable period where people are questionining whether they will go up or go down in July- you can consolidate now- lock them in at this rate- or wait it out- which will mean you’ll pay more right now- and maybe get them at a better rate or maybe get them at an even worst rate- but eventually you’ll want to consolidate them- it makes life much easier.

So here very soon you’ll get a ton of stuff (for the next 10 years in fact) about consolidation- and you really get to choose who you’ll pay you’re loan to. I have sallie may- one of the big loan people- and I love their online site- it’s the best with loan calulators, and detailed lists of everything- maybe that will help as you decide.