In dental school you’re taught all you need to become a successful dentist—but what you don’t learn is how to effectively handle your dental school debt. MDA has partnered with SoFi to now offer members a preferential .25 percent rate discount (double the previous .125 percent rate) when applying through SoFi.com/MIDental.  
Many have confusion regarding the difference between direct consolidation and private student loan refinancing programs.  
The main differences in these programs:
Student Loan Consolidation
• Direct consolidation loan is a government program that allows you to combine multiple federal education loans into a single loan.
• The resulting interest rate is a weighted average of your prior loan rates, not necessarily a rate reduction.
• If your monthly payment decreases, it’s likely the result of lengthening the term.

Student Loan Refinancing
• Through private student loan refinancing and consolidation, you will receive a new (hopefully lower) interest rate, based on your current financial picture.
• If you have good credit and a strong financial picture, you could get a lower interest rate andsee substantial savings through  refinancing.

Find out what rates you qualify for in one minute at SoFi.com/MIDental or reach out to mpitzer@sofi.org with any questions about this partnership.