I’ve been through Sallie Mae with the tuition answer loan before, and I am leaning towards them. But with this economy, is taking out a private student loan risky, and can I expect the interest rates to be higher?

I had to pay for all 4 years of college using student loans, and now I’m paying them back @ 0/month.

Obviously, I want this payment reduced, especially while I try to find a better job than the one I got right out of college.

They’re all from Sallie Mae, but they’re multiple loans. Can I consolidate multiple loans from the same company? They all have separate interest rates.

Is there anything else that I can do to lower my monthly student loan payments?

Could an international student from the Netherlands get loans to go to school in America?

Additional Questions:
Would the interest rates and what not be reasonable?

Would they have to pay during school or would the loan start after school ends (like difference between subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans)?
I know that the Stafford loan is out of the question specifically. I didn’t know if there were other loans for an international student to get.

Interest rates (Sallie Mae) will most likely be going up on July 1. I have received many, many offers in the mail to consolidate my school loans (these are similar to credit card offers). I do want to lock in at a fixed lower rate before rates increase. Currently, rates vary from 2.75% to 4.75%. What do I need to know to not get screwed? Are some companies more reputable than others? How would I find out? Are there hidden fees to be worried about? I graduate this June.

I am looking to consolidate my student loans with a federal consolidation loan. I know the interest rates are based on federal regulation, but I’m wondering about the other offers/benefits. If you have consolidated loans with a company, can you share personal experience about your lender–customer service, helpful website, quick loan processing, etc etc? Why did you chose your lender? Thanks!