Are student loan rates really going up?

I am trying to figure out if I should consolidate and lock in a rate.

My student loans have been a variable rate since I graduated in 97, but deferred until 2000 bec I was in grad school.

Anyway, the rate right now is like 2.17 for all 4 loans.

Should I lock in a rate and consolidate?

Are the rates really going up?

They said the same thing last summer and my rate actually went down.

i consolodated earlier in the year and my fixed rate is 3. something...

i did also hear that as of a certain date that the rates will be going up... there was a thread on here a few days ago...

I saw something on Good Morning America about this last week - the financial person was on and said it is a good idea to do it now - I think before July 1st to lock in the rate, since the rates will be going up.


I found the story on their site:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/MellodyHobson/story?id=787082&page=1

I called and they are definitely going up drastically July 1st.

Liz--You can consolidate while in school, but only for the amount you have received so far (so no future loans).