🎓 Student Loans

Pay off student loans years sooner

Extra payments, smart targeting and refinancing can cut years off. Just know which federal protections you would be giving up first.

Run my numbers

Start here

Before you pay a dollar extra, find out whether you might qualify for forgiveness or income-driven repayment. Those can change the whole strategy. Then use the moves in how to pay off student loans fast.

Make every extra dollar count

Extra payments only help if the servicer applies them to principal on the loan you choose. Here is how to make extra payments that hit principal. If you have a mix of loans, read which to pay first: private or federal. Use the student loan payoff calculator or our Burn-Down Calculator to see the impact.

Refinancing: powerful, but permanent

Refinancing federal loans into a private loan can lower your rate, but you lose federal options like income-driven plans and forgiveness programs for good. Our guide to student loan refinancing explains when it makes sense. Parents should also see paying off Parent PLUS loans.

Pay off early or chase forgiveness?

Read should i pay off student loans early and chasing forgiveness vs. paying off. If your payment feels impossible, learn how income-driven repayment is calculated, and check current rules on StudentAid.gov. Just graduated? Use your grace period to get ahead.

All student loans guides

Student Loan Forgiveness vs Payoff: How to Decide
Student loan forgiveness vs payoff: who realistically qualifies, the risks of betting on policy changes, and a simple…
Paying Off Private vs. Federal Student Loans: Which First?
Private vs federal student loans payoff: which to pay first? Compare protections, rates, variable-rate risk and a simple…
How to Make Extra Student Loan Payments So They Hit Principal
Learn how to make extra student loan payments that actually reduce principal: servicer steps, targeting the right loan,…
Income-Driven Repayment Plans: How Payments Are Calculated
Income-driven repayment ties your federal student loan payment to income and family size. See how the math works,…
Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payment Scenarios
Use a student loan payoff calculator and real example balances to see how extra payments cut your payoff…
Should You Pay Off Student Loans Early?
Should you pay off student loans early? Compare rate thresholds, forgiveness eligibility, emergency funds and investing before you…
Student Loan Refinancing: When It Saves Money and When It Backfires
Student loan refinance can cut interest, but it can also cost you federal protections. See the rate vs…
How to Pay Off Student Loans Fast: 9 Moves That Work
Learn how to pay off student loans fast with 9 math-backed moves: extra principal payments, avalanche, autopay discounts,…