Skip to main content
Warren
Try Warren Free

Student loan calculator

Compare standard, graduated, extended and income-driven repayment plans, and see what extra payments save you.

Loan details

Loan term (years)
Repayment plan

Fixed monthly payments over the selected term. Most common plan.

Additional amount applied directly to principal each month

Key insights

PSLF eligibility
Work for government or non-profit? PSLF can eliminate your remaining balance after 120 qualifying payments on an income-driven plan, potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars.
Refinancing pros and cons
Refinancing can lower your rate and payments, but you lose federal protections like IDR, PSLF, and forbearance. Only refinance federal loans if you have stable income and will not need those safety nets.
Avalanche vs snowball
Avalanche (highest rate first) saves the most money over time. Snowball (smallest balance first) gives quick psychological wins. Choose based on whether you prioritize savings or motivation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Standard and Income-Driven Repayment?
Standard repayment uses fixed monthly payments over 10 years (or another chosen term) and minimizes total interest. Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) bases payments on your discretionary income (typically 10% of income above 150% of the poverty line) and offers forgiveness after 20-25 years, but you may pay more interest over the life of the loan.
How do extra payments reduce my student loan cost?
Extra payments go directly toward your principal balance, reducing the amount that accrues interest each month. Even a small additional payment of $50-$100 per month can save thousands in interest and shave years off your repayment timeline.
Am I eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)?
PSLF forgives the remaining balance after 120 qualifying payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer (government or eligible non-profit). You must be on an income-driven repayment plan and have Direct Loans. Employment certification should be submitted annually.
Should I refinance my student loans?
Refinancing can lower your interest rate and monthly payments, especially if your credit score has improved since graduation. However, refinancing federal loans into a private loan means losing access to income-driven repayment, PSLF, and federal forbearance options. Only refinance federal loans if you are certain you will not need those protections.
When does a Graduated Repayment plan make sense?
Graduated repayment is ideal if you expect your income to grow significantly over time, such as early-career professionals in medicine, law, or engineering. Payments start lower (around 60% of the standard amount) and increase every two years, but total interest paid will be higher than a standard plan.

Important disclaimer

Educational tool: This calculator provides estimates based on simplified assumptions and is not professional financial advice.

Individual circumstances: Actual repayment amounts vary based on servicer policies, interest capitalization, income changes, and plan requirements. Verify with your loan servicer.

Income-driven plans: IDR calculations use simplified formulas. Actual amounts depend on AGI, family size, state, and specific plan rules (SAVE, PAYE, IBR, ICR).

Professional advice: Consult a qualified financial advisor or student loan counselor for personalized guidance on repayment, forgiveness, and refinancing.

No guarantee: Warren AI provides this tool "as is" without warranty. We are not responsible for financial decisions made based on these calculations.

By the numbers

What the data says

National figures from the sources shown, as of the period on each card. They are context, not a forecast or advice for your situation.

Take control of your student loans

Get personalized repayment advice and track your progress toward becoming debt-free.

Try Warren FreeMore debt resources