Important Announcements

Starting on July 1, 2026, the interest rate reduction for borrowers enrolled in Auto Pay will go from 0.25% to 1%. This reduction is a temporary benefit available through June 30, 2028. Learn more and enroll by 11:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 30, 2026.


On March 10, 2026, a court order ended the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan. If you are enrolled in the SAVE plan we will notify you between July 1st and August 15th, and you will have 90 days from the date the notification is sent to choose a different repayment plan. For more information, visit StudentAid.gov/courtactions or visit StudentAid.gov/repayment-calculator to explore and apply for other repayment plans.


On Oct. 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education published final Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program regulations that will be effective on July 1, 2026. We’ll provide updates when the regulations are implemented. For now, there are no impacts to borrowers, payment counts, or discharges. Visit StudentAid.gov/publicservice for more information about PSLF and current program requirements. For more information about employer eligibility, visit StudentAid.gov/pslf/employer-search. To apply for PSLF, use the PSLF Help Tool at StudentAid.gov/pslf

There are three general phases in the life of a federal student loan. Not all loans have a grace period, so it’s important to be aware of all of your loan types and when the first payments are due. Understanding the life cycle of your loan will help you when making decisions about your student loans.

Learn More About Student Loan Repayment
  • While you are still in school and enrolled at least half-time, you don’t have to make any student loan payments, and you can focus on your studies. It is important to work with your school’s financial aid office and keep up with deadlines or other requirements.
  • A grace period is the time in between graduation (or a drop below half-time enrollment) and the time your first payment is due. The grace period is usually six months, but it may be more or less depending on the type of loan.
  • If your loans have a standard, six-month grace period, your first payment will be due approximately six months after you graduate or drop to below half-time enrollment. Make sure your student loan servicer has all of your current contact information and explore the different repayment plans and how to make your payments, such as electronically or via automatic debit.

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