Which IDR plan has the lowest payment?

The SAVE plan generally has the lowest payments: 5% of discretionary income for undergraduate loans, 10% for graduate. Interest subsidy prevents balance growth when payments do not cover interest.

What is the forgiveness timeline?

IBR: 20 years (new borrowers) or 25 years (older borrowers). PAYE: 20 years. SAVE: 20 years for undergrad only, 25 years for graduate.

When does IDR make financial sense?

IDR is beneficial when loan balance exceeds 1.5x annual income, when pursuing PSLF (10-year public service forgiveness), or when starting salary is significantly below eventual earnings.

Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Calculator

Estimate monthly payments under SAVE, IBR, PAYE, and ICR income-driven repayment plans. Compare total cost including potential loan forgiveness after 20-25 years.

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