🎓 Are you struggling to repay your student loans? You’re not alone! According to the Federal Reserve, Americans owe $1.5 trillion in student loan debt. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your monthly payments, you may want to consider extended student loan repayment.
What is Extended Student Loan Repayment?
👨🎓 Extended student loan repayment is a repayment plan that allows you to extend the term of your loan beyond the standard 10-year repayment period. Instead of making higher monthly payments over a shorter period, you’ll make lower payments over a longer period.
👩🎓 The two types of extended repayment plans are:
Type of Plan |
Description |
|---|---|
Extended Fixed |
Your payments remain the same for the life of the loan. |
Extended Graduated |
Your payments start low and gradually increase every two years. |
How Does Extended Student Loan Repayment Work?
👨💻 If you decide to pursue extended student loan repayment, you’ll need to contact your loan servicer to request the plan. To qualify, you must have at least $30,000 in Direct Loans or Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) Loans.
🖥️ Under the extended repayment plan, your payments will be lower, but the overall amount you pay in interest will be higher because you’re paying over a longer period.
📈 Let’s say you owe $50,000 in student loans with a 6% interest rate. If you choose the standard 10-year repayment plan, your monthly payment would be around $555, and you’d pay a total of $66,658 over the life of the loan (including interest).
📉 With extended repayment, your payments would be lower, but over a longer period. If you choose the extended fixed plan with a 25-year term, your monthly payment would be around $316, and you’d pay a total of $94,827 over the life of the loan (including interest).
Why Consider Extended Student Loan Repayment?
🤔 You may want to consider extended student loan repayment if:
You Need Lower Monthly Payments
💰 If you’re struggling to make your monthly payments, extending the term of your loan can help reduce your monthly payment amount.
You Have Other Financial Obligations
💳 If you have other financial obligations, such as a mortgage or car payment, extending your student loan repayment can free up more of your monthly budget to meet those obligations.
You’re Pursuing a Lower-Paying Career
👨⚕️ If you’re pursuing a career with a lower salary, such as teaching or non-profit work, extending your student loan repayment can help make your monthly payments more manageable.
You Want to Reduce the Financial Stress of Student Loans
🌅 If you’re tired of feeling the stress of student loan payments, extending your repayment term can help lower that stress and make managing your finances easier.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Extended Student Loan Repayment?
Pros:
- Lower monthly payments
- More manageable student loan debt
- Free up money for other financial obligations
Cons:
- Higher overall interest payments
- Longer repayment term
- May pay more over the life of the loan
FAQs About Extended Student Loan Repayment
Q: Will I Qualify for Extended Student Loan Repayment?
A: To qualify for extended repayment, you must have at least $30,000 in Direct Loans or Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) Loans.
Q: Can I Switch to Extended Repayment after Starting Repayment?
A: Yes, you can switch to an extended repayment plan at any time during your repayment period.
Q: Can I Change My Payment Plan?
A: Yes, you can change your payment plan at any time by contacting your loan servicer.
Q: Will My Interest Rate Change with Extended Repayment?
A: No, your interest rate will remain the same.
Q: Can I Still Make Extra Payments with Extended Repayment?
A: Yes, you can still make extra payments with extended repayment. It’s important to note that any extra payments will first be applied to interest and fees before the principal balance.
Q: What Happens If I Miss a Payment?
A: If you miss a payment, your loan becomes delinquent, and your credit score may be negatively impacted. After 270 days of non-payment, your loan enters default.
Q: Can I Choose the Type of Extended Repayment Plan?
A: Yes, you can choose between the extended fixed and extended graduated repayment plans.
Q: Can I Switch Between Repayment Plans?
A: Yes, you can switch between repayment plans at any time by contacting your loan servicer.
Q: How Long Does Extended Repayment Last?
A: Extended repayment can last up to 25 years.
Q: Can I Pay Off My Loan Early with Extended Repayment?
A: Yes, you can pay off your loan early with extended repayment.
Q: What Happens If I Can’t Make My Payments?
A: If you’re struggling to make your payments, contact your loan servicer immediately to discuss your options, such as deferment or forbearance.
Q: Is Extended Repayment Right for Me?
A: Extended repayment may be right for you if you’re struggling to make your monthly payments or have other financial obligations. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and understand the long-term costs before making a decision.
Q: How Do I Apply for Extended Repayment?
A: Contact your loan servicer to request extended repayment.
Conclusion
🎓 Extended student loan repayment can be a great option for borrowers who need lower monthly payments and more manageable student loan debt. It’s important to understand the long-term costs of extended repayment and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
💰 If you’re interested in extended repayment, contact your loan servicer to request the plan and learn more about your options.
Closing/Disclaimer
🔎 This article is meant to provide general information about extended student loan repayment and is not intended as financial advice. It’s important to discuss your individual situation with a financial advisor or loan servicer before making any decisions regarding your student loans.