Student Loan Calculator
Provide any three values below to calculate the fourth. Use this to find your monthly repayment, total interest, or remaining loan balance for standard student loans.
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Evaluate your payoff options and see how much interest you can save by making extra payments. The remaining balance, monthly payment, and interest rate can be found on your monthly student loan bill.
| Value | |
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| Remaining Term | 6 yrs 2 mos |
| Total Payments | $36,767.26 |
| Total Interest | $6,767.26 |
| Value | |
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| Remaining Term | 9 yrs 10 mos |
| Total Payments | $41,188.54 |
| Total Interest | $11,188.54 |
Estimate your total loan balance and monthly repayment obligation after graduation. This calculator is for students still in college or those who haven't started repayment yet.
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Federal vs Private
Over 90% of student debt is federal. Federal loans offer lower rates, income-driven plans, and potential forgiveness programs.
Grace Period
Most federal loans offer a 6-month grace period after graduation before payments begin — but interest may still accrue.
Extra Payments Help
Even small extra monthly payments can shave years off your loan and save thousands in interest over the life of the loan.
Understanding Student Loans
Student Loan Types & Repayment Options
A guide to federal, state, and private student loans and how to manage them
Offered by the U.S. government with the lowest interest rates. Include Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, PLUS Loans, and Consolidation Loans. No cosigner required — just proof of enrollment.
Offered by state agencies or non-profits. Vary widely by state. Some include forgiveness programs for graduates who remain in-state or work in public service fields like nursing or teaching.
From banks and lenders. Require credit checks and underwriting. Higher and often variable rates. Not subsidized. Useful when federal aid is exhausted, but generally the last resort option.
Direct Subsidized Loans are need-based. The government covers interest while you're enrolled at least half-time, for 6 months after leaving school (grace period), and during deferment. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available regardless of financial need, but interest begins accruing immediately upon disbursement.
Direct PLUS Loans are for graduate students or parents of undergraduates. Borrowers must have favorable credit histories. Interest rates are higher than Stafford loans and there is an upfront origination fee of around 4%. Direct Consolidation Loans allow borrowers with multiple federal loans to combine them into a single monthly payment, sometimes with access to additional repayment plans.
Fixed monthly payments over 10 years. Typically results in the lowest total interest paid, but highest monthly payment. The default plan for most federal borrowers.
Payments start low and increase every two years, usually every two years. Designed for borrowers who expect their income to rise over time. Term up to 10 years.
Stretches payments over up to 25 years with either fixed or graduated payments. Lower monthly amounts but significantly more interest paid over the life of the loan.
Caps monthly payments at a percentage of discretionary income (typically 10–20%). Remaining balances may be forgiven after 20–25 years. Includes IBR, PAYE, SAVE, and ICR plans.
Exhaust all free money first. Grants and scholarships do not require repayment and can cover substantial education costs. Work-study programs allow students to earn money while enrolled. Any extra disposable income applied to tuition before borrowing reduces the loan principal — lowering the total interest paid over the life of the loan.
Only after exploring grants, scholarships, work-study, and savings should students turn to loans — and among loans, start with federal before considering private lenders.