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Student Loan Calculator (Standard vs Income-Driven)

Compare the standard 10-year repayment against an income-driven plan (SAVE/PAYE/IBR-style). Shows monthly payment, total interest, and balance forgiven at year 20.

FINANCE

Compare a standard 10-year repayment plan against an income-driven repayment plan (SAVE/PAYE/IBR-style). Shows monthly payment, total paid, total interest, and any balance forgiven at the 20-year mark.

Income-driven plans cap payments at ~10% of discretionary income (income above 225% of the federal poverty line under SAVE). Remaining balance is forgiven after 20-25 years on most plans (10 years on PSLF for qualifying public-service workers). Federal loans have fixed rates set annually; private loans have variable terms.

Disclaimer: SAVE plan currently in forbearance pending court rulings (2025-2026). Check StudentAid.gov for current program status.

Student Loan Calculator

Compare a standard 10-year repayment plan against an income-driven repayment plan (SAVE/PAYE/IBR-style). Shows monthly payment, total paid, total interest, and any balance forgiven at the 20-year mark on income-driven plans.

2026 federal undergrad ~6.5%, grad ~8%, PLUS ~9%. Private loans vary widely.
Standard Plan Monthly Payment
$431.48
Standard 10-yr payment$431.48
Income-Driven payment$164.90
Total interest (standard)$13,778
Total paid (standard)$51,778
Forgiven at year 20 (IDR)$38,000

Income-driven repayment programs (SAVE, PAYE, IBR, ICR) have been in flux since 2023-2025 litigation. SAVE is currently in forbearance pending court rulings - check StudentAid.gov for the current status. Forgiven amounts may be taxable depending on year and state. PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness) is a separate program with different rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Student Loan Calculator (Standard vs Income-Driven) for?
Compare a standard 10-year repayment plan against an income-driven repayment plan (SAVE/PAYE/IBR-style). Shows monthly payment, total paid, total interest, and any balance forgiven at the 20-year mark.
How do I use the Student Loan Calculator (Standard vs Income-Driven)?
Income-driven plans cap payments at ~10% of discretionary income (income above 225% of the federal poverty line under SAVE). Remaining balance is forgiven after 20-25 years on most plans (10 years on PSLF for qualifying public-service workers). Federal loans have fixed rates set annually; private loans have variable terms.
How accurate are my student loan (standard vs income-driven) results?
SAVE plan currently in forbearance pending court rulings (2025-2026). Check StudentAid.gov for current program status.
Is the Student Loan Calculator (Standard vs Income-Driven) free to use?
Yes - every calculator on WhichCalc is completely free with no signup, no usage limits, and no tracking on the calculation itself. Results display instantly in your browser and your inputs are never sent to a server. Bookmark the page if you use this calculator regularly.