Compare Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans 2026
Compare RAP, Standard 10-year, Extended 25-year, and IBR plans side-by-side to find the best option for your situation.
Enter Your Loan Details
| Metric | RAP | Standard 10-Year | Extended 25-Year | IBR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Payment | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Amount Paid | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Interest Paid | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Payoff Timeline | Variable | 10 years | 25 years | 20 years |
| Forgiveness/Best For | Low income | High income | Lower payments | Income-based |
Total Cost Comparison
Lowest Monthly Payment
The plan offering the most affordable monthly payment option for your situation.
RAP
Monthly: $0
Lowest Total Cost
The plan that will result in the lowest total amount paid over the life of the loan.
Standard
Total: $0
Understanding Each Plan
RAP (Repayment Assistance Plan)
- Payment: Based on income and family size
- Term: 15 years to forgiveness (Canadian) or 20 years (federal)
- Best For: Low-income borrowers or those with financial hardship
- Pros: Affordable payments, forgiveness available
- Cons: Higher total interest, long repayment timeline
Standard 10-Year Plan
- Payment: Fixed equal monthly payments
- Term: 10 years
- Best For: Borrowers with stable, higher income
- Pros: Lowest total interest, fastest payoff
- Cons: Higher monthly payment required
Extended 25-Year Plan
- Payment: Fixed equal monthly payments
- Term: 25 years
- Best For: Borrowers needing lower monthly payments
- Pros: Lower monthly payments than standard
- Cons: Higher total interest, longer payoff
IBR (Income-Based Repayment)
- Payment: 10-15% of discretionary income
- Term: 20-25 years to forgiveness
- Best For: Moderate to high debt-to-income ratio
- Pros: Income-based payments, forgiveness available
- Cons: Recertification required annually
Frequently Asked Questions
Which federal student loan repayment plan is best for me?
It depends on your income, loan balance, and goals. If you want the lowest monthly payment, RAP or IBR is usually best. If you want to pay the least total interest, the Standard 10-year plan is typically cheapest overall. Use our comparison tool above to see the exact numbers for your situation.
What is the difference between RAP and IBR?
RAP (Repayment Assistance Plan) uses income tiers of 1-10% of discretionary income with 30-year forgiveness. IBR (Income-Based Repayment) uses 10-15% of discretionary income with 20-25 year forgiveness. RAP generally results in lower monthly payments for lower-income borrowers.
Can I switch between repayment plans?
Yes. Federal borrowers can switch repayment plans at any time by contacting their loan servicer. However, switching plans may affect your progress toward forgiveness, so consider the implications carefully before changing.
What happens to my loans if I do not choose a plan by September 28, 2026?
If you were on the SAVE plan and do not select a new plan by the deadline, you will be automatically enrolled in the Standard Repayment Plan or the new Tiered Standard Plan. This could result in significantly higher monthly payments.
Are these calculations exact?
These are estimates based on 2026 federal poverty guidelines and standard amortization formulas. Actual payments may vary based on your specific loan terms, servicer calculations, and any future regulatory changes. Always verify with your loan servicer.
Do I need to create an account to use this tool?
No. All our calculators are completely free and require no registration, email, or personal information. Everything runs privately in your browser.