Example: $35,000 at 6.39%
| Plan length | Monthly payment | Total interest |
|---|
| 10 years | $395 | $12,455 |
| 20 years | $259 | $27,085 |
| 25 years | $234 | $35,177 |
The 25-year plan lowers the payment by about $162 a month, but you would pay more in interest than you originally borrowed.
Ways to pay off student loans faster
- Pay a little extra each month and ask your servicer to apply it to principal.
- Sign up for autopay; many servicers cut the rate by 0.25% when you do.
- Target the highest rate first if you have several loans (the avalanche method).
- Use windfalls such as tax refunds or bonuses for lump-sum payments.
- Consider refinancing private loans if rates drop, but know that refinancing federal loans into private ones gives up federal protections like income-driven repayment.
Juggling several debts? Plan it with the debt payoff calculator.
Last reviewed October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to pay off student loans?
The standard federal repayment plan is 10 years. Extended and graduated plans can stretch to 25 years or more. Private loans usually run 5 to 20 years. Paying extra each month shortens any of these.
Does this calculator work for federal and private loans?
It models a standard fixed-rate loan, which matches the federal Standard plan and most private loans. Income-driven plans set payments from your income instead, so use the official Loan Simulator at studentaid.gov for those.
What if I have several student loans?
Add up the balances and use a weighted average rate for a quick estimate, or enter each loan separately. To decide which to pay off first, the debt payoff calculator compares the snowball and avalanche methods.
Is it worth paying extra on student loans?
Extra payments go straight to principal (make sure your servicer applies them that way), which saves interest and ends the loan sooner. Whether that beats investing depends on your rate. Paying off a 7% loan is like earning a guaranteed 7% return.
Does interest build up while I am in school?
On unsubsidized federal and most private loans, interest accrues during school and grace periods and may be added to the balance (capitalized) when repayment starts. Enter the balance you will owe at the start of repayment for the best estimate.