Decision guideStudent loans 3 min

Should I consolidate or rehabilitate my defaulted student loan?

Federal student loans in default have two ways back: loan rehabilitation (nine affordable payments, default removed from your credit report) or a Direct Consolidation Loan (weeks instead of months, but the default stays on your history and new consolidations limit your future repayment plans). Answer a few questions to see which fits your situation. This is education, not legal or financial advice.

Question 1 of about 4

Are these federal student loans (listed on StudentAid.gov)?

Private loans don't qualify for either program.

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Educational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Typical ranges are shown; your contract, lender, and state law set the exact rules. MoneyFAQ is not a lender.