Student Loan Monthly Payment

Standard 10-year amortization payment for federal/private loans.

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How to use this calculator

  • Enter balance + APR + term.

About this calculator

Student loan monthly payment via standard amortization. Federal Direct loans default to 10-year standard repayment ($30k @ 6.5% = $341/mo). Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans (SAVE, PAYE, IBR) base payment on income; can be lower but with longer term + accumulated interest. Refinancing private loans for lower rate is option but eliminates federal protections (deferment, IDR, PSLF).

Frequently asked

Federal vs. private?+
Federal: protections (deferment, IDR, PSLF). Higher APR for grads. Private: better rate often, no federal benefits.
10-year standard vs. IDR?+
Standard: highest payment, lowest total interest. IDR: low payment now, longer term, more interest. PSLF only on IDR.
Refinance?+
Private refi can drop 1-3% if good credit. Federal refi loses deferment + IDR + PSLF eligibility forever.
Pay extra?+
No prepay penalty on federal or most private. Extra payments hit principal directly, save total interest.
6.5% typical?+
2025 federal undergrad: 6.53%. Grad: 8.08%. PLUS: 9.08%. Private: 4-12% based on credit.

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