Standard Repayment Plan
| Repayment Plan | Information | Eligible Loans | Monthly Payments | Quick Comparison |
| Standard Repayment Plan |
The basic repayment plan for loans from the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program and Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. The older Standard Repayment Plan generally uses fixed payments over 10 years, or 10 to 30 years for eligible consolidation loans. Direct borrowers who receive a new Direct Loan on or after July 1, 2026 are subject to the newer repayment choices. Tiered Standard uses fixed payments over 10, 15, 20, or 25 years, based on total outstanding principal balance. |
Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans --- Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans --- All PLUS loans --- Eligible Direct Consolidation Loans and FFEL Consolidation Loans. |
Payments are fixed and made for up to 10 years (between 10 and 30 years for consolidation loans). | The older 10-year Standard Plan generally costs less interest than longer repayment schedules when the same debt is fully repaid. Total cost may differ when income-driven subsidies, forgiveness, or early repayment apply. |
Tiered Standard repayment terms
|
Total outstanding principal balance |
Maximum repayment term |
|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 10 years |
| $25,000 to less than $50,000 | 15 years |
| $50,000 to less than $100,000 | 20 years |
| $100,000 or more | 25 years |
