Student Loan Calculator
Estimate your monthly student loan payment
See your monthly payment and total interest cost for federal or private student loans. Compare standard 10-year, 20-year, and 25-year repayment plans.
Federal Student Loan Rates (2025-26)
| Loan Type | Rate | Origination Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Subsidized (undergrad) | 6.53% | 1.057% |
| Direct Unsubsidized (undergrad) | 6.53% | 1.057% |
| Direct Unsubsidized (graduate) | 8.08% | 1.057% |
| Direct PLUS (parent/grad) | 9.08% | 4.228% |
Federal rates are fixed for the life of the loan and set annually by Congress. Subsidized loans don't accrue interest while you're in school at least half-time, in deferment, or during the 6-month grace period.
Repayment Plan Options (Federal)
- Standard (10 years): Fixed monthly payment. Lowest total interest. Default plan unless you opt for another.
- Graduated (10 years): Payments start low, increase every 2 years. Total cost slightly higher than Standard.
- Extended (up to 25 years): Lower monthly payment, much higher total interest. Available if you owe $30k+.
- SAVE Plan (income-driven): Payments capped at 5-10% of discretionary income. Forgiveness after 20-25 years.
- PAYE / IBR: Older income-driven plans, generally less generous than SAVE.
For loans over $50k or anyone targeting PSLF, an income-driven plan often wins. For smaller balances and high earners, Standard 10-year minimizes total cost.
The Math of Paying Extra
On a $40,000 loan at 6.53% with the 10-year standard plan, you pay ~$455/month and ~$14,600 in total interest. Adding $100/month:
- Standard payment ($455): 120 months, $14,600 interest
- $555/month ($100 extra): ~92 months, $10,800 interest. Saves ~$3,800 in interest and ~28 months.
- $655/month ($200 extra): ~76 months, $8,500 interest. Saves ~$6,100.
Extra payments go straight to principal once you've covered the current month's interest. Direct any tax refunds, bonuses, or windfalls here for outsized impact.