Tools · Student Loan IDR

Student loan
IDR comparison.

Federal student loans have several income-driven repayment plans. Each uses a different formula for your monthly payment. This tool compares the big ones so you can see the monthly payment and total interest paid under each.

This tool models US federal student loans (Direct loans) only. Private student loans do not offer IDR; contact your lender for their hardship or modification options.

SAVE was the newer Biden-era plan; its availability is in legal flux as of 2026. Verify plan availability at studentaid.gov before enrolling.

PLAN COMPARISON
GUIDANCE
Enter values to see guidance.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLFPublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)A federal program that forgives remaining student loan balances after 10 years of qualifying payments while working for a government or nonprofit.) is available to federal, state, and nonprofit employees. 120 qualifying monthly payments while employed full-time at a qualifying employer discharges the remaining balance tax-free. See the student loan strategy page.

What this tool assumes
  • Standard 10-year plan uses standard amortizationamortizationThe process of paying off a loan through regular payments that cover both principal and interest.Full definition at the weighted average rate.
  • 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines: $15,060 (48 states) / $18,810 (AK) / $17,310 (HI) for household of 1; +$5,380 / +$6,730 / +$6,190 per additional person.
  • IBR discretionary income = AGIAdjusted Gross Income (AGI)Your total income minus certain deductions, used to calculate your tax bill.Full definition minus 150% of FPL. Monthly payment = 10% of discretionary income / 12.
  • PAYE discretionary income same definition. Monthly payment = 10% of discretionary / 12. Cap at standard-plan payment.
  • SAVE (if available) discretionary income = AGI minus 225% of FPL. 5% of discretionary for undergrad, 10% for grad, blended for mix.
  • Interest is not capitalized during IDR on the current SAVE plan. Pre-SAVE plans capitalize in certain events.
  • Forgiveness timeline: IBR 20/25 years, PAYE 20 years, SAVE 10/20/25 years depending on loan type. Forgiven amount may be taxable.

Federal student loan rules are changing rapidly. Always confirm plan terms at studentaid.gov. Educational only; not financial advice.

Related

→ Student loan strategy guide → Debt-to-income calculator → Debt payoff calculator
HOW THIS IS CALCULATED

This tool runs entirely in your browser — no data is sent to any server. All formulas use standard financial math. Verify the methodology or inspect the source code in your browser's dev tools.