Can you think of anything worse than student loans that linger, year after year? Not only do you have to make the monthly payment, but you will constantly worry about when the balance will finally be paid off.

Like most people with student loans, it is likely that you are interested in repaying the debt sooner rather than later. Here are three tips for speeding up the process:

1. Pay more than the minimum amount due. It goes without saying that this is the quickest way to speed up the repayment of your loans. Even if you can only afford a few extra dollars every month, it will work in your favor over the long run.

2. Get started early. Just because your loans will not come due until you graduate doesn’t mean you should hold off until then. If you begin to pay while you are in school, the end result will be much less debt when you graduate.

3. Consolidate your loans. There are many benefits of consolidation. For example, you may be able to secure a lower interest rate. Subsequently, your payment will be less, as will your repayment period (as long as you continue to pay the original amount). Furthermore, this will help you keep your finances organized.

These are just three of the steps you can take to speed up the repayment of your student loans. Even if you only implement one of these tips, you will enjoy how it impacts your balance.