The three main federal repayment paths
Standard repayment (10 years)
Fixed payments over 10 years. You pay the most per month but the least in total interest. Best if you can afford the payments and want to be debt-free quickly.
Income-Driven Repayment (IDR / SAVE)
Payments are capped at 5–10% of your discretionary income. If you have a balance remaining after 20–25 years, it's forgiven (though currently taxable as income). Best if your income is low relative to your debt.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Work for a qualifying public service employer (government, most nonprofits), make 120 qualifying payments (10 years) on an IDR plan, and the remaining balance is forgiven — tax-free. Best if you're in public service and have a high balance relative to income.
Frequently asked questions
Is PSLF forgiveness taxable?
No. Unlike IDR forgiveness after 20–25 years, PSLF forgiveness is completely tax-free under current law.
What counts as a qualifying PSLF employer?
Federal, state, local, or tribal government organizations; and most 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Private sector employers generally don't qualify.
Is this data saved?
No. Everything runs locally in your browser.
For educational purposes only; not financial or legal advice. Student loan rules change frequently. Verify current terms at studentaid.gov before making decisions.