ESTIMATE YOUR MONTHLY PAYMENT

Income-Driven Repayment Calculator

Enter your information below to see an estimate. Results are not an eligibility determination or official repayment quote.

Estimates depend on the calculator’s settings and assumptions. Federal repayment rules, plan availability and borrower eligibility may change. Confirm current terms with Federal Student Aid before relying on an estimate.

UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS

Make Sense of Your Student Loan Payments

Estimated monthly payments are a useful starting point. However, the repayment plan you choose can also affect your total cost, repayment timeline and potential forgiveness.

Use the estimates above to compare options, then check eligibility and terms before making a decision.

Borrower reviewing student loan repayment options at a desk
THE BASICS OF IDR

What Is Income-Driven Repayment?

Income-driven repayment plans generally use your income and family size to determine monthly payments on eligible federal student loans. Depending on your plan and circumstances, this may lower your payment.

Because plans differ in eligibility, formulas and repayment terms, the best option depends on your individual situation.

Student and advisor discussing federal student loan repayment choices

What Can Affect Your Estimate?

Income and family size
Federal loan type and plan
Location and poverty guidelines
Plan-specific eligibility and rules
UNDERSTAND THE NUMBERS

How Your IDR Payment Is Calculated

Several income-driven plans use a measure called discretionary income. This is generally based on income above a plan-specific percentage of the applicable poverty guideline. However, formulas and payment caps vary by plan.

1. Start With Income

The calculation may use adjusted gross income or other accepted income documentation, depending on your situation and applicable rules.

2. Include Family Size

Household information can affect the income allowance used in the formula. Some calculations also account for location.

3. Compare Plan Rules

Eligible plans can use different formulas. Therefore, compare the estimate with the plan’s current terms before applying.

BORROWER ELIGIBILITY

Who May Qualify for IDR?

Eligibility depends on your federal loan type, selected plan and current program rules. Private student loans are not eligible for federal income-driven repayment plans.

Review Your Loans

Identify your federal loan types and check whether your selected repayment plan accepts them. In some cases, consolidation may affect which choices are available.

Prepare Income Details

Have your current income and family-size information ready. You may also need to provide updated information or recertify under the plan’s requirements.

YOUR NEXT STEPS

How the Process Works

1

Estimate Your Payment

Use the calculator above to see a planning estimate based on the details you enter.

2

Compare Available Plans

Review payment amounts, eligibility, repayment terms and possible tradeoffs.

3

Verify and Apply

Confirm current rules and submit any eligible application through official federal channels.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Need Help Understanding Your Options?

Compare the estimated payment with your broader student loan picture. StuLo can help you explore repayment and consolidation information so you can make a more informed choice.

Federal Student Aid offers repayment information and applications without charge. StuLo is a private service and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education.