Compare repayment plans
Which 2026 plan has the lowest first-year monthly payment for your numbers?
Enter your AGI, balance, interest rate, family size and dependents to compare the estimated first-year monthly payment under RAP, the new tiered Standard plan, the classic 10-year Standard plan, and new IBR. The lowest is highlighted. Income-driven payments change as your income changes, and the lowest monthly payment is not always the cheapest overall. Estimate only, not advice.
Source: Federal Student Aid (studentaid.gov). Data as of June 2026.
General information, not financial or legal advice. Federal student loan rules are changing in 2025-2026 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act - figures here are estimates from public sources and the final program rules are still being implemented. Always verify with your loan servicer and studentaid.gov. See our disclaimer.
Frequently asked questions
Which repayment plan has the lowest payment?
It depends on your income, balance and family size. Income-driven plans (RAP, IBR) usually give the lowest monthly payment at low incomes, while a fixed plan can be cheaper at high incomes relative to balance. The comparator shows the first-year monthly payment for each; remember the lowest monthly is not always the lowest total cost.
Is the lowest monthly payment the best choice?
Not necessarily. A low income-driven payment over 20-30 years can cost more total interest than a higher fixed payment over 10 years - unless you are pursuing forgiveness (RAP/IBR forgiveness or PSLF), in which case minimizing payments while you qualify can be the goal.
Which plans can new borrowers compare?
Borrowers whose first loan is on or after July 1, 2026 can choose only RAP or the new tiered Standard plan. Existing borrowers can also use IBR and the classic Standard/Graduated/Extended plans.
Related
Last updated: 2026-06-22