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How Student Loan Income-Based Repayment Is Calculated

Income-driven plans can calculate payments based on your spouse's income and debt, as well as how much you earn.

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Ryan Lane

Income-Driven Repayment: Is It Right for You?

Can't afford federal student loan payments? Qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness? IDR might be right for you — but options will change in 2026.

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Elin Johnson

Student Loans: Standard Repayment Plan Changes

As of July 1, 2026, there are two versions of the standard plan: the legacy Standard Repayment Plan and the new Tiered Standard Repayment Plan. Learn which one applies to you.

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Shannon Bradley

What Are Graduated and Extended Graduated Repayment Plans for Student Loans?

Graduated and extended graduated repayment plans can lower your monthly payments initially, but they can also lead to larger bills.

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Elin Johnson

What to Know About Refinancing Student Loans

It’s simple to refinance private student loans with a different lender — and you might qualify for a lower interest rate.

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Eliza Haverstock, Whitney Vandiver

Should You Refinance Federal Student Loans?

Consider refinancing federal student loans only if you don't need federal benefits and can qualify for lower rates.

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Cecilia Clark, Lisa Mulka

Can Student Loans Take My Tax Refund?

If your federal loans are in default, the government can withhold your tax refund and apply it toward repayment.

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Ryan Lane, Eliza Haverstock

Student Loan Wage Garnishment: What It Is and How to Stop It

Wage garnishment can take up to 15% of your paycheck, but it's possible to get your loans out of default.

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Lisa Mulka

How to Refinance Student Loans in 7 Steps

Start the loan refinancing process by researching lenders and comparing rates. Ultimately, you want a lower rate than what you currently pay.

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Teddy Nykiel

How to Pay Off Student Loans Fast: 7 Strategies for 2026

Extra payments will help pay off student loans fast in 2026, but you can also refinance to save on interest on private loans.

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Shannon Bradley

How Can I Get a CSS Profile Fee Waiver?

Get a CSS Profile fee waiver if you had an SAT fee waiver, if your family income qualifies, or if you’re an orphan.

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Anna Helhoski

How to Take Out Student Loans Without Your Parents

You can still take out both federal and private student loans even without your parent's financial information.

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Anna Helhoski, Lisa Mulka

Are You Eligible for a Parent PLUS Loan?

To meet Parent PLUS loan eligibility, you must be a parent, meet federal loan qualifications and not have adverse credit history.

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Anna Helhoski

Parent PLUS Loan Calculator

Use the parent PLUS loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments and find out how much you'll pay overall.

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Anna Helhoski

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You Money

Use this student loan payoff calculator to see how extra payments can pay off student debt faster and cheaper.

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Laura McMullen

Should You Pay Off Student Loans or Invest?

It depends on your situation, including the type of student loans you have and your financial goals.

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Whitney Vandiver, Trea Branch

Should I Pay Off Student Loans Early?

Save for emergencies and retirement, and get rid of credit card debt, before paying off student loans early.

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Liza Carrasquillo

What Is Capitalized Interest on Student Loans?

Capitalized interest is unpaid interest that's added to your student loan, increasing the total you repay.

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Anna Helhoski

3 Ways to Lower Your Student Loan Interest Rate

Refinancing and lender discounts can lower the interest rate on your student loans.

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Ryan Lane

Biweekly Student Loan Payment Calculator: Knock Out Debt Faster

Biweekly payments are an easy way to speed up repayment on your student loans.

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Ryan Lane, Lisa Mulka