Student Loan Income-Driven Repayment Estimator

What This Calculator Does

This student loan income-driven repayment (IDR) estimator calculates your estimated monthly payment and forgiveness timeline under the available federal IDR plans: IBR (Income-Based Repayment), PAYE (Pay As You Earn), and ICR (Income-Contingent Repayment). It uses your adjusted gross income, family size, and the 2026 federal poverty guidelines to determine discretionary income and calculate payments. Note that the SAVE plan was struck down by federal courts in 2024, and affected borrowers were transitioned to IBR or other available IDR plans.

Step-by-Step Example

Real-World Use Cases

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not recertifying income annually. IDR plans require annual income recertification. Missing the deadline can cause your payment to jump to the standard amount.

• Forgetting that forgiven balances may be taxable. Under current law, IDR forgiveness after 20-25 years may be treated as taxable income (PSLF forgiveness is tax-free).

• Assuming the SAVE plan is still available. The SAVE plan was struck down by federal courts in 2024. Borrowers should evaluate IBR, PAYE, or ICR as alternatives.

• Not considering total interest paid over the life of the plan. Lower monthly payments mean more interest accrues. A $35,000 loan on a 20-year IDR plan may cost significantly more in total interest than a 10-year standard plan.

• Ignoring PSLF eligibility. If you work for a government or nonprofit employer, PSLF forgiveness after 10 years (tax-free) is far more valuable than 20-25 year IDR forgiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions