I had student loans of almost $40k between Great Lakes and Citi. Originally I was supposed to have $20k of that eliminated as part of an enlistment incentive, but some very helpful retention folks managed to not help me and I timed out on the benefit. At this point, my interest rates were uber-low, but I owed the companies about $580 per month, and I was in the market for buying a house.
Also, those asswholes at Citi, whom I was paid well ahead on, kicked me over to Sallie Mae, and after my experience with an incompetently managed Dept. of Ed website, I was not in the mood for the dreaded Sallie. Also, I was no longer considered "paid ahead."
So, I consolidated through FedLoan servicing. Yes, astronomical rate, but comfortable monthly payment. If I'm still paying in 10 years, the current rules say I'm eligible for loan forgiveness.