How do you repay student loans?

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Written By KennethChing

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This is how to choose the right plan for you, based on how much income you have and how much debt you owe.

When it comes time to repay their student loans, student loan borrowers have many options. Private student loans have fewer options, but federal student loans offer more flexibility. Your ability to repay your loans in the best possible way will depend on which type of loans you have, how much debt you have and where you are financially after graduation. This guide will help you understand your options.

Federal Student Loan Repayment Options

Federal student loans may allow you to choose from multiple repayment options. Let’s see how they compare.

A quick reminder: The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program rejected most applicants so far (only 2% have been approved). Be aware that selecting a repayment plan that’s a good fit for the program does not guarantee that your auto equity loan are forgiven.

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1. Standard Repayment Plan

Who is eligible: All borrowers

  • How it works: The payments are fixed and the loans are paid off over a period of 10 years.
  • It Benefits Borrowers who wish to repay their loans in a short time frame to reduce interest charges.
  • It Doesn’t Help: Borrowers who are interested in Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

2. Gradual Repayment Plan

Who is eligible: All borrowers

  • How it works: The initial payments are lower, but they increase over time. Loans are paid off in full over a period of 10 years.
  • It benefits: Borrowers who anticipate their income will increase over time and who want to repay their loans as soon as possible.
  • It Doesn’t Help: Borrowers who are interested in Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
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3. Extended Repayment Plan

  • Who is eligible: All borrowers are eligible, but federal Direct Loan and Federal Family Education Loan borrowers must owe at least $30,000.
  • How it works: Loans can be paid in full or fixed payments.
  • It benefits: Borrowers with larger loan amounts and smaller monthly loan payments.
  • It Doesn’t Help: Borrowers who are interested in Public Service Loan Forgiveness and want to pay as little interest as possible on their auto equity loan.

4. Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan (PAYE)

Who is Eligible? Borrowers who have received a direct loan disbursement on or after October 1, 2011.

  • How it works: PAYE pays monthly 10% of your discretionary income, but not more than what you would pay for a Standard Repayment Plan.
  • It benefits: Individuals who have low monthly payments and/or are interested to receive forgiveness from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
  • It Doesn’t Help: Borrowers whose income fluctuates from year to year.

5. Revised Pay As you Earn Repayment Plan (REPAYE).

Who is eligible: Anyone who has a Direct Loan and has a loan that’s eligible. For example, Parent PLUS loans are not eligible.

How it works: Your monthly payments will be 10% of your discretionary income.

It benefits: Direct loan borrowers who are able to afford a lower monthly payment but don’t mind paying more interest over the term of the loan than a Standard Repayment Plan. Public Service Loan Forgiveness is also available.

It Doesn’t Help: Married couples who file joint returns and have higher combined incomes.

6. Income-Based Repayment Plan

Who is eligible: Borrowers who have direct subsidized or unsubsidized loans, Federal Stafford loans that are Subsidized or Unsubsidized, student PLUS loan pronto, consolidation loans and parent PLUS loans. The amount of debt a borrower has to have must be higher than their income.

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It works like this: Your monthly payments are 10% to 15% of your discretionary income depending on the date you borrowed. However, they will never exceed what you would pay on a 10-year Standard Repayment Plan. After paying for 20 to 25 years, you will be eligible for Public Service Loan Repayment.

It benefits: People with a high level of debt and lower monthly incomes, as well anyone who is interested in Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

It Doesn’t Help: Borrowers who are able to pay more than 10% or 15% of the income each month towards repayment and can pay off their loan quicker.

Also Read: https://www.loanproof.co.uk/student-loans/

7. Income-Contingent Repayment Plan (ICR)

Who is eligible: Anyone who has a Direct Loan and is able to repay the loan. For example, Parent PLUS loans are not eligible.

How it works: Monthly payments equal 20% of your discretionary income or the total amount you would pay over 12 years with fixed payments based on income.

It benefits: Borrowers who are able to pay more of their monthly income towards loan repayments, but not as much as required by the Standard Repayment Plan. Public Service Loan Forgiveness is also available to those who are interested.

It Doesn’t Help: Borrowers who owe more than Direct Loans, or married couples who file jointly but are in a higher tax bracket.

8. Income-Sensitive Payment Plan

Federal Family Education Loan borrowers are eligible.

How it works: Monthly payments are calculated based on an annual income. loan pronto are paid off in full over a period of 15 years.

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It benefits: FFEL borrowers, who are looking for a lower monthly repayment than what they would get with a Standard or Graduated Repayment plan.

It Does Not Benefit Borrowers: Borrowers who are interested In Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Which Federal Student Loan Repayment Option is Best?

This question may have a different answer for each borrower. Shann Grewal, ex-vice president of IonTuition, says that student loan repayments are not a one-size fits all approach. However, most people try to repay their debt as normal. It can have huge consequences if borrowers don’t seek out the best repayment plan for their circumstances.

  • Private Student Loan Repayment Options
  • Private student loans offer borrowers fewer options. These include:
  • Instant Repayment: Interest and principal payments start as soon as the loan is paid.

Interest-only Payments: While in school, you make interest-only payments. Once you graduate or are no longer enrolled at half the level of your previous enrollment, principal and interest payments will be made.

Fixed Payments: While you are in school, you pay a small fixed amount. Once you leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment status, you start making regular, larger payments.

Full Deferment: After you graduate from school, you begin to make principal and interest payments.

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