What this calculator shows you
- Payment Calculation
- Monthly payment amount
- Total Cost
- Interest over loan life
- Repayment Plans
- Compare different options
- Payoff Timeline
- See your debt-free date
Federal Repayment Plans
Standard, Graduated, Extended (older loans only), and Income-Driven plans (IBR, PAYE, ICR, and the new RAP). Loans made after July 1, 2026 use RAP or Tiered Standard. Income-driven plans cap payments at percentage of discretionary income.
Payoff Strategies
Avalanche: pay highest rate first. Snowball: pay smallest balance first. Refinancing: combine loans for lower rate (but lose federal benefits). Public Service Loan Forgiveness: forgiveness after 10 years of qualifying payments.
Questions people ask
Should I refinance federal student loans?
Consider carefully. Refinancing to private loans means losing access to income-driven plans, forbearance, and forgiveness programs. Only refinance if you are confident in your income stability and do not need these protections.
Education only, not personalized financial, tax or investment advice. Results are estimates based on the numbers you enter; real returns vary and losses happen.