RAP
The Repayment Assistance Plan bases eligible borrowers’ payments on income and claimed dependents. It has a $10 monthly minimum.
Available for eligible Direct Loans; Parent PLUS is excluded. Borrowing history and loan details still matter.
REPAYMENT EXPLORER
Understand your repayment options.
Start with the plan types, then explore a RAP payment estimate for eligible federal loans.
FIRST, KNOW YOUR OPTIONS
Same debt. Different ways to repay it.
IBR
Income-Based Repayment remains an option for eligible existing borrowers. Payments use a portion of discretionary income, with rules that depend on borrowing history.
IBR is one specific plan. “IDR” is the broader category of income-driven repayment.
Tiered Standard
A repayment schedule of 10–25 years based on the loan amount. A longer term may lower the monthly bill while increasing total interest.
Do not assume a plan qualifies for PSLF just because it is federal.
Federal Student Aid says receiving a new loan first disbursed on or after July 1, 2026 can require you to repay all eligible Direct Loans under RAP or Tiered Standard. Having older loans alone does not preserve access to IBR. Check your borrowing timeline.
Private loans use the lender’s repayment terms.
RAP, IBR, and PSLF do not apply to private loans. Check the contract for in-school payments, residency options, the repayment term, and hardship provisions.
Borrowing dates and transition rulesEstimate a RAP payment
Example income shown. This estimate does not enroll you in a plan.
US dollars
Use AGI from your tax return, not gross salary or take-home pay.Do not include yourself or your spouse.
$350/mo
If your loans are eligible for RAP. Confirm before choosing a plan.
Base payment (6% of AGI ÷ 12)$350.00
Dependent adjustment−$0
Minimum monthly payment$10
Compare all eligible plans RAP is one option, not a recommendation
Older borrowers may have other choices. Compare current payments, long-term costs, forgiveness, and household taxes before switching.
Planning as a couple →