Consolidation? Or am I already consolidated?

[Anonymous]

I graduate next May with my MBA (yay!). Will have about $90k in loans (boo). I have a great income now ($150k+) and am already thinking ahead on how to get the best bang for my paypack buck

All of my loans are with Nelnet now. Does consolidation mean it's one lump sum (one tradeline) or having them all with the same financer?

If so, what is the benefit of me consolidating and can I start that now?

FTR- I do make monthly payments now even though I don't owe yet. Not sure if that matters.

[Anonymous]

Congrats on your graduation soon!
I doubt you've consolidated. You're basically getting a brand new loan, usually combining all of the others. The benefit is a single payment to make but you can also have you individual loans out together into one payment without consolidation. They also average your interest rates, which is good for some, bad for others. The new, 100% loan will lower your account ages on your credit report and possibly lower your score.
With your balance, if you plan on paying off the loan, not working towards forgiveness, it might help you. You'll have to run the numbers. Once it's done though, it can't be undone.
Paying ahead is great! Helps with the accrual of interest.