Federal Loan Repayment Options

The U.S. Department of Education will notify you at least 21 days before your first payment is due. This notice will include your loan details and monthly payment amount.

If you’d like an estimate sooner, you can contact your loan servicer directly. Not sure who your servicer is? Log in to your Federal Student Aid account at studentaid.gov to view your servicer information.

Visit studentaid.gov and log in to your Federal Student Aid (FSA) account. There, you can:

• View your total loan balance
• Find your loan servicer
• Explore consolidation options
• Stay updated on repayment changes and debt‑relief announcements
• Make payments or manage your repayment plan

A student loan is a financial obligation similar to a mortgage or car loan. You must repay your Direct Loans even if:

• You didn’t finish your program
• You haven’t found a job in your field
• You feel your education didn’t meet expectations

If you are struggling to make payments, contact your loan holder right away. Options such as repayment plan changes, deferment or forbearance may help.

Key Facts

• After you graduate, withdraw, or drop below half‑time enrollment, you receive a six‑month grace period
• Each loan only receives one grace period
• Repayment starts when the grace period ends, and your first payment is typically due 45–60 days later
• You may prepay your loan anytime without penalty, which can reduce interest costs

Repayment of PLUS Loans begins once the loan is fully disbursed and the first payment is due within 60 days. You may request a deferment while you are enrolled in school and up to six months after you graduate, withdraw or drop below half‑time enrollment.

• The standard repayment period is 10 years
• PLUS Loans can also be prepaid at any time without penalty

Federal student loan borrowers can choose from a variety of repayment plans designed to match different financial situations and long‑term goals. Whether you are looking for lower monthly payments, a plan that adjusts with your income or the fastest path to paying off your loans, there is an option that can work for you.

Visit the Federal Student Aid Repayment Plans page to compare plans, estimate monthly payments and find the best fit.

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit, you may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. This program forgives any remaining balance on Federal Direct Loans after 120 qualifying payments have been made under an accepted repayment plan while working full-time for an eligible employer. 

For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website for PSLF.