I would be surprised to know that she's explored and threshed out her refinancing options fully. With 5 different loans, even a longer-term refinance could end

I would be surprised to know that she's explored and threshed out her refinancing options fully. With 5 different loans, even a longer-term refinance could end up saving money if she pays more than the minimum every month. On another note, I find it interesting that she's not assigning a dollar value to having some walking around town money. There are real opportunities being missed for networking etc., as well as an increased stress load, which can have career and personal consequences. I'm not saying consolidation's the proper way to go; I am saying she may be short-changing her happiness and future upward mobility by focusing only on money when well-rounded balance is important.