Compare Student Loan Repayment Plans
Student loan Consolidation repayment guide
Compare student loan repayment plans by monthly payment, repayment period, eligibility, and long-term cost. Because federal rules changed in 2026, the right choice also depends on when you borrowed.
For example, some borrowers can choose Income-Based Repayment (IBR), while others may use the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP). Meanwhile, fixed-payment plans can offer a clearer payoff schedule.
Free first review. Optional paid document help. StuLo is not a government agency.
Two Ways to Compare Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans
First, decide whether you need an income-based payment or a schedule based on your loan balance. Then, check your loan type and disbursement dates. These details affect which plans you can select.
Income-driven repayment
Payments generally depend on income and household details. As a result, the monthly amount may change when circumstances change.
Explore RAP, IBR, PAYE and ICR →Fixed-payment repayment
Payments follow a defined schedule. However, the lowest starting payment may not produce the lowest total interest cost.
Explore Standard, Graduated and Extended →Loans and borrowing dates
Plans available before July 2026 may not apply to newer loans. Therefore, confirm your loan history before choosing.
Check your federal loan dashboard ↗2026 update: The SAVE plan is no longer available. Borrowers affected by SAVE should review their servicer notices and any plan-selection deadline. PAYE and ICR will end no later than July 1, 2028. As always, Verify changes with Federal Student Aid.
Federal Chart to Compare Student Loan Repayment Plans
This chart offers a starting point. However, eligibility varies by loan type, borrowing history, and disbursement date. Use official resources for personalized estimates.
| Repayment plan | How monthly payments work | Typical repayment period | Key eligibility or timing point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) | Generally 1%–10% of annual adjusted gross income divided by 12, minus $50 per qualifying dependent; minimum $10/month. | 30 years | Available for many eligible Direct Loans, including newer loans. Parent PLUS loans are excluded. |
| Income-Based Repayment (IBR) | Generally 10% or 15% of discretionary income, depending on borrower history; capped at the 10-year Standard amount. | 20 or 25 years | Applies to eligible loans disbursed before July 1, 2026, subject to loan and borrower rules. |
| Pay As You Earn (PAYE) | Generally 10% of discretionary income, subject to plan requirements. | 20 years | Eligible older loans; program ends no later than July 1, 2028. |
| Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) | Lesser of 20% of discretionary income or an income-adjusted 12-year payment. | 25 years | Eligible older loans; program ends no later than July 1, 2028. |
| Standard Repayment | Set monthly amount based on balance and interest rate. | Often 10 years; consolidation terms vary | Common fixed-payment choice for eligible older loans. |
| Graduated Repayment | Starts lower and rises over time, generally every two years. | Generally 10 years; consolidation terms vary | Generally available for eligible loans first disbursed before July 1, 2026. |
| Extended Repayment | Fixed or graduated payments spread over a longer term. | Up to 25 years | Typically requires over $30,000 in eligible loans and older disbursement dates. |
| Tiered Standard | Scheduled payments under the post-July 2026 fixed-payment structure. | Generally 10 years | Fixed-payment choice for eligible loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2026. |
This table summarizes federal programs; it does not calculate your individual payment. Consolidation can change options. Of course, review current rules at Federal Student Aid.
Monthly Payments: Compare Student Loan Repayment Plans
Extending repayment may lower your monthly bill while increasing the total interest paid. Similarly, an income-driven plan can provide flexibility without necessarily costing less overall.
Compare both monthly affordability and long-term costs before deciding. Obviously, your loan balance, interest rate, family size, and income all matter.
Compare Student Loan Repayment Plans: RAP vs. IBR vs. PAYE vs. ICR
Income-driven repayment may help when a fixed payment strains your budget. Nevertheless, each plan has different rules. Lower payments can also extend repayment.
RAP: Repayment Assistance Plan
RAP uses adjusted gross income and dependent adjustments, with a $10 monthly minimum and a 30-year repayment period. Its availability for many Direct Loans makes it important to review.
Read about RAP →IBR: Income-Based Repayment
IBR generally uses 10% or 15% of discretionary income. Payment caps and a 20- or 25-year repayment period depend on borrowing history and eligibility.
Read about IBR →PAYE: Pay As You Earn
PAYE may be available for certain older Direct Loans. However, enrollment rules apply and the plan is scheduled to end by July 1, 2028.
Read about PAYE →ICR: Income-Contingent Repayment
ICR uses another income-based formula. Like PAYE, it is a transition option for eligible older borrowers and ends no later than July 1, 2028.
Review official eligibility ↗Fixed Payments: Compare Student Loan Repayment Plans
Fixed-payment choices may fit when your budget supports a predictable payoff. Graduated payments begin lower and rise later, while Extended plans spread costs over a longer term.
Standard and Tiered Standard
Standard repayment generally uses a shorter payoff schedule. Meanwhile, Tiered Standard applies to eligible newer loans under rules introduced in July 2026.
Graduated and Extended
Graduated payments rise on a schedule. Extended repayment may reduce monthly payments by lengthening the term. Consequently, compare projected interest before committing.
How to Choose a Federal Student Loan Repayment Plan
Start with your federal loan information. Next, compare payment estimates and repayment periods. Finally, consider how the options fit your income, career, and goals.
Confirm your loans
Identify loan types, disbursement dates, your current repayment plan, and your servicer. Those facts affect eligibility.
Compare your numbers
Review estimated monthly payments, total repayment cost, and possible discharge timelines. Look beyond the lowest payment.
Choose your process
Apply through federal tools for free, or consider optional document-preparation help if you prefer support.
Important: StuLo is an independent document-preparation service, not the U.S. Department of Education or a federal servicer. Borrowers can review and submit federal applications for free through StudentAid.gov.
What Else Can Affect Your Student Loan Repayment Options?
Parent PLUS loans
Parent PLUS loans have different income-driven restrictions. Consolidation timing may also matter, so verify eligibility before acting.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Qualifying public-service work can affect the best strategy. Compare how available repayment plans affect PSLF-eligible payments.
Consolidation and default
Consolidation can change plan choices or payment history. Defaulted loans usually require separate resolution before normal IDR enrollment.
Before consolidating: Review existing benefits, qualifying-payment counts, and eligibility. Consolidation is not reversible.
How StuLo Helps You Compare Student Loan Repayment Plans
Comparing repayment plans can feel confusing when federal rules change. Therefore, StuLo helps borrowers organize the documents and information they need.
Borrowers may need loan records, relevant application details, and supporting documents. StuLo offers optional help preparing those materials. However, federal applications remain free.
Contact StuLoStudent Loan Repayment Resources and Next Steps
This comparison is a starting point. Because rules depend on your situation, verify current eligibility and review actual loan records.
Compare payment estimates
See estimated monthly payments and longer-term costs using official federal tools.
Federal Loan Simulator ↗Explore income-driven plans
Read current eligibility guidance for RAP, IBR, PAYE, and ICR.
Federal IDR Guidance ↗Check repayment changes
Borrowing dates can affect the plans you may use. Check for new federal notices.
Federal Student Aid Updates ↗FAQs: Compare Student Loan Repayment Plans
These answers cover payment amounts, eligibility, and 2026 federal changes. For personalized estimates, use official tools and your servicer’s notices.
FAQs About Monthly Payments and Eligibility
Which student loan repayment plan has the lowest monthly payment?
No single plan is cheapest for everyone. RAP or IBR may lower payments for eligible borrowers, while longer fixed schedules may reduce starting amounts. Compare personalized estimates.
What is the difference between RAP and IBR?
RAP uses adjusted gross income and dependent adjustments with a 30-year term. IBR uses discretionary income and usually has a 20- or 25-year term. Loan types and dates affect eligibility.
Can I choose a repayment plan if I borrowed after July 1, 2026?
Yes, but the available options differ. RAP and Tiered Standard are important choices for many eligible newer Direct Loans. Parent PLUS restrictions differ.
Compare Student Loan Repayment Plans FAQs About SAVE, Forgiveness and Switching Plans
Can I still enroll in the SAVE repayment plan?
No. SAVE is no longer available under current federal guidance. Former participants should review servicer notices for any required plan-selection deadlines.
Are PAYE and ICR still available in 2026?
Some eligible older borrowers may still use PAYE or ICR. Both programs end no later than July 1, 2028, so consider the future transition.
Will an income-driven plan forgive my student loans?
Eligible remaining balances may qualify for discharge after a required repayment period, subject to current federal rules. Some borrowers may separately qualify for PSLF. Forgiveness is not automatic.
FAQs About Applications and StuLo Services
Is it free to apply for a federal repayment plan?
Yes. Federal plan comparison and applications are free through StudentAid.gov. StuLo’s optional document-preparation services are not required.
Does loan consolidation automatically lower my monthly payment?
No. Consolidation may change the repayment term, interest calculation, and plan choices. Compare total cost and existing benefits before applying.
Can I change my repayment plan later?
Often, if you qualify for another available plan. Switching can affect costs, repayment progress, or timelines; some transitions have additional rules.
Compare Your Options Before You Commit
You do not need to guess which plan fits. Confirm your loan details and compare estimates through federal resources. If you want optional document-preparation help, StuLo can explain its services.
Educational information only; not legal, financial, or tax advice. StuLo does not determine federal eligibility, guarantee savings, or promise forgiveness. Federal Student Aid and loan servicers control official decisions. Content based on the staging page’s October 2026 review; confirm current federal guidance before acting.