Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans (2026 Edition)

The federal student loan system changed on July 1, 2026. Several repayment plans were phased out, new income-driven formulas were introduced, and servicers updated how monthly payments are calculated. Use this hub to understand every repayment plan available today.

Start Here: Find the Right Repayment Plan

Compare All Repayment Plans

See every plan side-by-side, including monthly payments and forgiveness timelines.

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Estimate Your Monthly Payment

Use the 2026 Repayment Calculator to see your exact monthly payment.

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Find the Best Plan for You

A guided walkthrough to choose the right plan based on your income and goals.

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Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plans

IDR plans base your monthly payment on your income, family size, and tax filing status. These plans were significantly updated in 2026.

New 2026 IDR Plan

The updated income-driven plan that replaced several older options.

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IDR Formula Explained

Understand how your payment is calculated under the new rules.

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IDR Forgiveness Rules

Learn how long-term forgiveness works under the 2026 system.

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IDR Payment Estimator

Calculate your monthly payment using the updated 2026 formula.

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Fixed Payment Plans

These plans base your payment on your loan balance, not your income. They are predictable and straightforward, but may not offer forgiveness.

Standard Repayment Plan

Fixed payments over 10 years. The fastest payoff among federal plans.

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Graduated Repayment Plan

Payments start lower and increase every two years.

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Extended Repayment Plan

Lower monthly payments stretched over up to 25 years.

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Repayment Plans Phased Out in 2026

Several older repayment plans were discontinued on July 1, 2026. These guides explain what changed and what borrowers should do next.

Phased-Out Plans Overview

See which plans were removed and what replaced them.

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Transitioning to the New IDR Plan

What borrowers need to know when switching plans.

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How Servicers Handle the Transition

Learn how servicers recalculate payments under the new rules.

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Tools to Help You Choose the Right Plan

Repayment Calculator

See your monthly payment under every available plan.

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Plan Comparison Tool

Compare repayment plans side-by-side.

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IDR Estimator

Calculate your income-driven payment under the 2026 formula.

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Why Trust This Repayment Plan Hub?

All repayment plan information is sourced from:

Federal Student Aid (StudentAid.gov)
Department of Education 2026 regulatory updates
CFPB and Federal Reserve research
Publicly available servicer documentation

We update this hub whenever federal rules change, ensuring accuracy and clarity.

See Our Methodology