Category: Student Loan Refinancing

If you’re looking for the best law school loan forgiveness and student loan repayment programs, you’ve come to the right place. If you have student loans from law school, you may be wondering how to pay off $100,000 of student loans or $200,000 of student loans.

For law school loan forgiveness and student loan repayment, you should consider programs such as income-driven repayment, public service loan forgiveness and other options to pay off student loans faster.

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Here are the best law school loan forgiveness and student loan repayment programs:

1. Income-driven repayment plans
2. Public service loan forgiveness
3. Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAPs)
4. Perkins Loan Cancellation
5. Attorney Student Loan Repayment Program
6. Student loan repayment: other options

Income-driven repayment plans

An income-driven repayment plan is best for attorneys with a low salary or who work for the government or a non-profit. If you’re struggling to pay federal student loans, then an income-driven repayment option may be best for you.

There are four main income-driven repayment plans:

• Income-Based Repayment (IBR)
• Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
• Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE)
• Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR)

Importantly, your monthly student loan payment will be based on your discretionary income and family size. After 20 or 25 years, your remaining federal student loan balance can be forgiven. You may owe income tax on the amount of student loan forgiveness you receive.

Learn more: Ultimate guide to income-driven repayment plans

Public service loan forgiveness

Public service loan forgiveness is a program available for federal student loans. To get student loan forgiveness, you must work-full time for a public service or non-profit employer.

First, sign up for an income-driven repayment plan. Second, make 120 monthly payments for your federal student loan payments. After 120 payments, your remaining student loan balance can be forgiven. You won’t owe any income tax on the amount of student loan forgiveness you get.

You must have Direct Loans to qualify for public service loan forgiveness. If you have FFELP Loans or Perkins Loans, for example, make sure to consolidate your student loans.

Learn more: Public service loan forgiveness guide

Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAP)

Loan repayment assistance programs (“LRAPs”) provide financial aid to law school graduates who working in the public sector or for the government.

First, you can get a forgivable loan that can be used to pay for law school debt. In exchange for this loan, you may be asked to perform a service obligation. Once you complete this service requirement, your LRAP loan can be forgiven.

There are several types of LRAPs, including through your law school, state bar as well as state and federal governments.

• Law school LRAP: Learn whether your law school offers an LRAP. For example, Boston College Law School offers recent graduates who earn up to $57,000 for full-time work an annual award between $500 and $7,000.
• Statewide LRAP: There are 24 statewide LRAPs, which are available in the District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska (two programs), New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia.

Learn more: Ultimate guide to student loan forgiveness

Perkins Loan Cancellation

Perkins Loans are a type of federal student loan that is issued by your school. While Perkins Loans were discontinued in 2017, you could be eligible for Perkins Loan Cancellation.

Perkins Loans cancellation is available for student loan borrowers based on employment or volunteer service and length of service. Eligible professionals include, among others:

• Teachers
• Firefighters
• Police officers
• Librarians with a master’s degree at a Title I school
• Military service
• Public defenders
• Nurses

Contact your school to apply to get your Perkins Loans forgiven.

Learn more: How to get a lower student loan payment

Attorney Student Loan Repayment Program

If you are an attorney who works for the U.S. Department of Justice, you could get student loan forgiveness through the Attorney Student Loan Repayment Program (ASLRP).

Importantly, only federal student loans are eligible. Therefore, your private student loans aren’t eligible for ASLRP.

To qualify, you will need to work at the Justice Department for at least three years. Overall, you can earn up to $60,000, with a maximum of $6,000 a year.

Learn more: How to pay off $200,000 of student loans

Student loan repayment: other options

Most student loan forgiveness options are limited to federal student loans or for lawyers who work for the federal government or a non-profit. For example, if you work at a law firm or for a private company, you likely won’t be eligible for student loan forgiveness for lawyers.

Therefore, you may want to consider another option for law school student loan repayment. Student loan refinancing is the process of exchanging your current federal and private student loans for a new student loan with a lower interest rate.

When you refinance student loans, you can get a lower interest rate, lower monthly payment or both. You can also choose a variable or fixed interest rate as well as a student loan repayment term of 5 to 20 years.

The goal of student loan refinancing is to save money and pay off law school debt faster.

Learn more: Compare the latest rates to refinance student loans.

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How to refinance medical school loans may be a topic you’re considering, especially if you have significant student loan debt from medical school. For many medical school graduates, it’s possible that you have $200,000 of student loans or $300,000 of student loan debt. The good news is that you have several options to pay off medical school debt. That said, the decision to refinance medical school loans is one of the best options to pay off student loans faster.

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Here’s how to refinance medical school loans:

1. What is student loan refinancing?
2. Should I refinance student loans?
3. Who should not refinance student loans?
4. How much money can you save with student loan refinancing?
5. How to refinance medical school loans
6. When should I refinance medical school loans?
7. How often you can refinance medical school loans?
8. How do you get the lowest interest rate with student loan refinancing?
9. Compare the latest rates for refinancing

What is student loan refinancing?

Student loan refinancing is the process of combining your current federal and private student loans into a new private student loan with a lower interest rate. With a lower interest rate, you can save money each month and pay off student loan debt faster.

Student loan refinancing provides flexibility both for your interest rates and repayment term. For example, you can select a fixed interest rate or variable rate. You can also choose a repayment term from 5 to 20 years.

Student loan refinance is a smart decision (assuming you’re not pursuing student loan forgiveness) because it can lower your interest rate and monthly payment. By refinancing your student loans, you can be on a quicker path to financial freedom.

There are several key advantages to student loan refinancing:

• Save money: You can have significant money when you refinance student loans. This is especially true for doctors with large student loan balances. With a lower interest rate, it’s possible to save thousands or tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your student loan.
• Flexibility. With different options for interest rates and monthly payments, you have more control over your monthly payment. Therefore, you can select a fixed or variable interest rate as well as the repayment term that fits your budget and financial situation.
• Resident Student Loan Refinancing. As a medical resident, you can refinance student loans and start saving immediately. Your monthly payment can be as low as $75 a month.
• Apply online. Student loan refinancing has a simple application with most lenders that takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You can upload documents directly online and check your new interest rate with no impact to your credit score before your apply.
• Improve credit score: Paying off medical school loans also will improve your credit score and debt-to-income ratio.

Should I refinance medical school loans?

“Should you refinance medical school loans? There are many options for student loan repayment. However, student loan refinancing can get you a lower interest rate, lower student loan payment or both.

If you want to know whether you should refinance medical school loans, here is when it makes most sense:

• High interest rate. Like many medical school graduates, you may have a high interest rate on your student loans. Or, you have a lower interest rate, but interest rates today are lower than your current rate. Student loan refinancing can help you get a lower interest rate, which can help you save money each month.
• Large student loan payment. It’s not uncommon for medical school graduates to have $300,000 or $400,000 of student loans. If you have a high monthly student loan payment, student loan refinancing can help you get a lower student loan payment. For example, a shorter-term repayment period such as 5 years will have a higher monthly payment, but you will save significantly in interest over the life of your student loan. In contrast, a longer-term student loan repayment period such as 20 years will have a lower monthly payment. However, you will pay relatively more interest over the life of your loan.
• Strong credit. To refinance medical school loans, lenders want you to have at least a 650 credit score. The rule of thumb is that the higher your credit score, the easier it is to get approved for student loan refinancing. In contrast, if you have bad credit or average credit, you can apply with a cosigner to get approved to refinance medical school loans and get a lower interest rate.
• Private student loans. Unlike federal student loans, private student loans don’t offer any protections such as student loan forgiveness. Therefore, it’s typically a smart idea to refinance private student loans.
• No student loan forgiveness: If you don’t plan to enroll in an income-driven repayment plan or pursue public service loan forgiveness, you should refinance your federal student loans too.
• Refinance during residency. To start saving money after graduation, you can refinance medical school loans as a resident. With medical resident student loan refinancing, it’s possible to pay as low as $75 a month for your student loans and get a lower interest rate.

Check the latest rates for student loan refinancing.

Who should not refinance student loans

There are certain student loan borrowers who should not refinance medical student loans. For example:

• Unemployed. Lenders want to make sure that you’re employed or have a signed job offer. Otherwise, it will be challenging to get approved to refinance medical school loans.
• Unstable income. If you have unsteady or non-recurring income, it may be difficult to refinance medical school loans. For example, if you’re a physician who is self-employed or an independent contractor, lenders will prefer you have stable income. If that is not the case, apply for student loan refinancing with a cosigner.
• Income-driven repayment plan. Will you need an income-driven repayment plans such as PAYE, REPAYE, IBR and ICR? If so, then you may want to refinance private student loans only. Income-driven repayment plans are best for borrowers who are struggling to pay federal student loans. When you refinance student loans, your resulting loan is private. This means it won’t be eligible for income-driven repayment or federal student loan forgiveness. That said, you may determine that you won’t get student loan forgiveness through an income-driven repayment plan and that refinancing may be a better alternative.

How much money can you save with student loan refinancing?

Student loan refinancing is a pathway to a lower interest rate, a lower monthly payment, and potentially tens of thousands of dollars of savings over the life of your student loan.

This student loan refinancing calculator shows you how much you can save when you refinance medical school loans.

For example, let’s assume that you have $300,000 of student loans at an 8% interest rate and a 10-year repayment term. Let’s assume you refinance student loans at a 3% interest rate and a 10-year repayment term. You would save $743 each month and $89,161 overall.

What determines how much you can save through refinancing?

• Interest rate
• Student loan balance
• Repayment term

The lowest interest rate is a 5-year variable interest rate. A variable interest rate means your interest rate can increase or decrease over the life of your loan. In contrast, a fixed interest rate will never change. Generally, a shorter repayment terms such as 5 years will have a lower interest rate than a longer repayment term such as 20 years.

Learn more about how to refinance medical school loans:

• 7 reasons why you should refinance student loans now
• Top 30 questions about student loan refinancing

Explore: the top lenders to refinance medical school student loans.

Compare: the latest rates for medical school student loan refinancing.

Read: the difference between student loan refinancing and student loan consolidation.

How to refinance medical school loans

Here are several steps you can take to refinance medical school loans:

Compare refinance lenders

Start by comparing the best lenders to refinance medical school loans. Evaluate interest rates, loan terms, repayment options, and minimum credit score requirements. If you want to refinance your medical loans during residency, make sure to choose a lender that offers medical resident refinancing. Once you’re comfortable with various lenders, then choose the lender that offers the lowest interest rate.

Check your interest rate

You can check your interest rate before you apply for student loan refinancing. This process takes a few minutes, is known as a soft credit check, and it won’t impact your credit score.

Choose your student loan terms

First, you can choose either a fixed interest rate or variable interest rate. A fixed interest rate means your interest rate will never change. In contrast, a variable interest rate means your interest rate can increase or decrease during the life of your student loans.

Second, you can choose your repayment term, which ranges from 5 to 20 years. Your repayment term can be based on your current financial situation and financial goals. A shorter student loan repayment period means you’ll have a higher monthly student loan payment. In contrast, a longer repayment term means a lower monthly payment, but more total interest over the life of your student loan.

When should I refinance medical school loans?

If you’re wondering when to refinance medical school loans, there are several options depending where you are in your career as a physician. The bottom line is that you should refinance medical school loans as soon as possible. Some lenders will enable you to refinance during residency. With medical resident refinancing, you’ll pay as low as $75 a month for your student loans during residency. You can also lock in a lower interest rate.

If you didn’t refinance your medical school loans during residency, you can still refinance now. If you can qualify for a lower interest rate, it generally makes sense to refinance your medical school loans. However, if you’re pursuing student loan forgiveness or need income-driven repayment, then you may not want to refinance federal student loans. Why? You won’t have access to these benefits after you refinance federal student loans. You can always refinance private student loans because they don’t offer these federal benefits.

How often you can refinance medical school loans?

There is no limit to how often you can refinance medical school debt. If you can get a lower interest rate, you should strongly consider refinancing. Even if you refinanced previously, you can refinance again. Student loan refinancing has no application fees, no origination fees and no prepayment penalties.

Therefore, you’re not penalized if you want to refinance again and get a lower interest rate. Alternatively, you may want to switch from a variable to fixed interest rate, or vice versa. Or, you may prefer a different student loan servicer. These are all reasons why you may want to refinance again.

How to get the lowest interest rate with student loan refinancing?

When you refinance your medical school loans, here are some helpful steps to consider to get the lower interest rate:

• Compare lenders. Always compare lenders when you refinance medical school loans. You should compare loan terms, application process, eligibility, underwriting requirements, customer service and reputation.
• Choose the lowest interest rate. Find the best interest rate for you based on your financial situation. Evaluate both fixed and variable interest rates. If you want the lowest interest rate, for example, choose a 5-year repayment term, for example.
• Build credit. Lenders prefer borrowers with strong credit. If you have an excellent credit score, you’re more likely to get a low interest rate. (How to raise your credit score)
• Pay off debt. Lenders will evaluate your debt-to-income ratio, which compares your monthly income to your monthly debt. Lenders want borrowers with a low risk of student loan default. To increase your chances of approval, consider paying off debt such as credit card debt. This can lower your debt-to-income ratio and default risk.

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If you’re looking to explore how to refinance MBA student loans, you’re not alone. Getting an MBA is a pathway to a successful career, but an MBA has a steep price. For many MBA graduates, that means borrowing more than $100,000 of student loan debt. The good news is that you have several options to pay off MBA student loans. Refinancing MBA student loans is one smart option to pay off student loans faster.

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Here’s how to refinance MBA student loans:

1. Should I refinance MBA student loans?
2. How much money can I save from MBA student loan refinance?
3. How to refinance MBA student loans
4. How often you can refinance MBA student loans?
5. How to get the lowest interest rate MBA student loan refinance
6. Compare the latest rates for refinancing

Should I refinance MBA student loans?

You may be asking, “Should I refinance student loans? There are many options for student loan repayment. However, student loan refinancing is a popular way to pay off student loans and save money. Student loan refinance is the process of combining your current federal student loans, private student loans or both into a new private student loan. When you refinance MBA student loans, you can get a lower interest rate, lower student loan payment or both.

Who should refinance student loans

Student loan refinance is best for MBA student loan borrowers who:

• You have a high interest rate. One of the best reasons to refinance MBA student loans is that you have a high interest rate. Student loan refinancing can help you get a lower interest rate, which can help you save money each month.
• You have a large student loan payment. If you have a large monthly student loan payment, student loan refinancing can help you reduce your student loan payment. One benefit of student loan refinance is the ability to choose a repayment term. For example, you can pay off your student loans between 5 and 20 years.
• You have strong credit. If you want to refinance your student loans, lenders will expect you to have at least a 650 credit score. Preferably, your credit score is higher than 700. In contrast, if you have bad credit or average credit, you can apply with a cosigner to get approved and get a lower interest rate.
• You have private student loans. When you refinance your student loans, you can refinance federal student loans, private student loans or both. Private student loans are an easy option to refinance because, unlike federal student loans, they don’t offer any protections such as student loan forgiveness.
• You have recurring income. Lenders prefer borrowers with recurring monthly income. Also, lenders want to ensure you have sufficient income to pay MBA student loans and other living expenses.

Check the latest rates for student loan refinancing.

Who should not refinance student loans

Student loan refinance may not be best for these MBA student loan borrowers:

• You are unemployed. If you are unemployed, it’s hard to get approved to refinance student loans. Lender want you to be employed or have a signed job offer before you get approved to refinance.
• Your income is non-recurring. If you have unsteady or non-recurring income, it may be difficult to refinance student loans. Lender want to refinance MBA student loans for borrowers who have stable, recurring income. This is particularly relevant if you are self-employed or an independent contractor, for example. In this case, you may want to apply for student loan refinancing with a cosigner.
• You may need an income-driven repayment plan. Income-driven repayment plans such as PAYE, REPAYE, IBR and ICR are especially helpful if you are struggling to pay federal student loans. However, if you plan to enroll in income-driven repayment for your federal student loans, refinancing your MBA student loans may not be best for you.

How much money can I save from MBA student loan refinance?

This student loan refinancing calculator shows you how much you can save when you refinance MBA student loans.

For example, let’s assume that you have $100,000 of student loans at a 7% interest rate and a 10-year repayment term. Let’s assume you refinance student loans at a 3% interest rate and a 10-year repayment term. You would save $195 each month and $23,457 overall.

The amount you can save from MBA student loan refinance depends on your student loan balance, current interest rate and new interest rate.

Learn more about how to refinance student loans:

• 7 reasons why you should refinance student loans now
• Top 30 questions about student loan refinancing

Explore: the top lenders to refinance student loans.

Compare: the latest rates for student loan refinancing.

Read: the difference between student loan refinancing and student loan consolidation.

How to refinance MBA student loans

If you want to know how to refinance MBA student loans, there are several steps you should take.

Find the best lenders

First, compare the best lenders to refinance MBA student loans. Explore interest rates, loan terms, student loan repayment options, residency requirements, minimum credit score, and other terms. If your goal is to save the most amount of money, then choose the lender that offers the lowest interest rate.

Compare interest rates

Before you apply for student loan refinancing, you can check your new interest rate for free within minutes. This is called a soft credit check, and it won’t impact your credit score.

Pick your student loan terms

When you refinance MBA student loans, you can choose your loan terms. First, you can choose either a fixed interest rate or variable interest rate. A fixed interest rate means your interest rate will never change. In contrast, a variable interest rate means your interest rate can increase or decrease.

Second, you can choose the duration of your student loan repayment. For example, you can choose a repayment term between 5 and 20 years. A shorter student loan repayment period means you’ll have a higher monthly student loan payment. In contrast, a longer repayment term means a lower monthly payment. However, you will pay more total interest over the life of your student loan.

How often you can refinance MBA student loans?

You might wonder when you should refinance student loans.

The good news is there is no limit to how often you can refinance. With student loan refinancing, there are no application fees, no origination fees and no prepayment penalties.

Therefore, you can refinance whenever you find a lower interest rate. This is true even if you refinanced your MBA student loans previously. With a lower rate, you can refinance again.

How to get the lowest interest rate MBA student loan refinance

There are several steps to take to get the lowest interest rate when you refinance MBA student loans.

• Compare lenders. Always compare lenders when you refinance MBA student loans. Find the top lenders for refinancing by comparing customer service, brand, loan terms, application process, states of eligibility and more.
• Evaluate interest rates. Compare both fixed and variable interest rates. Shorter loan repayment terms have lower interest rates. So if you want the lowest interest rate, choose a 5-year repayment term, for example.
• Build credit. If you have an excellent credit score, you’re more likely to get a low interest rate. (How to raise your credit score)
• Pay off debt. To increase your chances of approval, consider paying off debt such as credit card debt. This can result in a lower debt-to-income ratio, which reduces your chances of student loan default. This also gives lenders more confidence that you can make your monthly student loan payments.

Compare the latest rates for refinancing

Compare the latest rates for student loan refinancing:

Compare the latest rates for student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for MBA student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for medical professional student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for medical resident student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for pharmacy school student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for MBA student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for nursing school student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for Parent PLUS Loan refinancing

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If you want to know how to refinance law school student loans, the process is relatively easy. Before you refinance, it’s important to make sure that student loan refinancing is right for you. If you have more than $100,000 of student loan debt from law school, then you’re not alone. The average debt for a law school student is more than $186,000. The good news is that you have several options to pay off law school student loans.

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Here’s how to refinance law school loans:

1. Should you refinance law school student loans?
2. How to refinance law school loans
3. How much money can you save from refinancing law school loans?
4. How often you can refinance law school loans?
5. How to get the lowest interest rate when you refinance law school loans
6. Compare student loan refinance rates

Should you refinance law school loans?

You may be wondering if you should refinance law school student loans. Student loan refinancing is the process of combining your existing federal student loans, private student loans or both into a new private student loan. When you refinance student loans, you can get a lower interest rate, lower student loan payment or both. Therefore, refinancing student loans helps you save money and pay off student loans faster.

Who should refinance student loans

Student loan refinance is best for student loan borrowers who:

• You have a high interest rate. One of the best reasons to refinance law school loans is that you have a high interest rate. Student loan refinancing can help you get a lower interest rate, which can save you significant money each month. A lower interest rate can help you pay off your law school loans faster.
• You have a large student loan payment. If you have a large monthly student loan payment, you may be able to get a lower student loan payment. Student loan refinancing allows you to choose a repayment term from 5 to 20 years, which gives you flexibility to choose your monthly payment.
• You have excellent credit. When you refinance student loans, lenders will want you to have a credit score of at least 650. If you have bad credit or average credit, consider refinancing your law school loans with a qualified cosigner.
• You have private student loans. You can refinance both federal student loans and private student loans. You should refinance law school loans especially if you have private student loans. Why? Private student loans don’t have federal benefits such as student loan forgiveness or income-driven repayment. Therefore, refinancing private loans is generally advantageous.
• You work for a private company. Lenders will evaluate your monthly income when you apply to refinance law school loans. They prefer borrowers with recurring monthly income. Also, lenders want to ensure you have sufficient income to pay law school loans and other living expenses. Generally, you can earn more income at a private firm.

Check the latest rates for student loan refinancing.

Who should not refinance student loans

Student loan refinance may not be best for these student loan borrowers:

• You are unemployed. If you are unemployed, it’s challenging to get approved to refinance law school loans. Lender require that you’re employed or have a signed job offer to get approved to refinance law school loans.
• Your income is unstable. If you have unstable or unpredictable income, it may be hard to refinance law school loans. Lender prefer that you have stable, recurring income. Why? Recurring income reduces the risk that you will default on your student loans. For example, if you are self-employed or an independent contractor, you may want to apply for student loan refinancing with a cosigner. A qualified with strong credit and stable income can help you get approved for student loan refinancing and get a lower interest rate.
• You work for the government or non-profit. If you work for the government or a non-profit, you may want to consider student loan forgiveness. For example, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program offers student loan forgiveness for your federal student loans. That said, you may still choose to refinance federal student loans and your private student loans.
• You need an income-driven repayment plan. If you plan to use an income-driven repayment plan for your federal student loans, refinancing your law school loans may not be best for you. Income-driven repayment plans such as PAYE, REPAYE, IBR and ICR are especially helpful if you are struggling to pay federal student loans.

How to refinance law school loans

If you want to know how to refinance law school loans, here’s what you should do.

Compare Lenders

First, compare the best lenders to refinance law school loans. Compare interest rates, loan terms, student loan repayment options, residency requirements, minimum credit score, and other terms. To save the most money, choose the best lender that offers that lowest interest rate.

Check your interest rate

Before you apply for student loan refinancing, most lenders let you check your new interest rate for free with no impact to your credit score. This is called a soft credit check. You can check your interest rate with multiple lenders, and then you can apply to each lender.

Choose your student loan terms

Once you determine which lenders you prefer, it’s time to choose student loan terms. When you refinance law school student loans, you can choose either a fixed interest rate or a variable interest rate. A fixed interest rate means your interest rate will never change. A variable interest rate means that you interest rate can increase or decrease over time. Typically, variable interest rates offer lower interest rates than fixed interest rates. However, variable interest rates could increase over time, whereas fixed interest rates will stay the same.

Student loan refinancing also helps you choose a student loan repayment term. For example, when you refinance law school loans, you can choose a repayment term between 5 and 20 years. A shorter student loan repayment period such as 5 years means a higher monthly student loan payment. However, a 5-year repayment period means you will save more money in interest over time.

In contrast, a longer repayment term such as 20 years means you can get a lower monthly student loan payment. However, you would pay more total interest over the life of your student loan.

How much money can you save from refinancing law school loans?

The primary goal of refinancing law school loans is to save money. How much money can you save when you refinance law school loans?

This student loan refinancing calculator shows you how much you can save when you refinance law school student loans.

For example, let’s assume that you have $200,000 of student loans at 8% interest rate and a 10-year repayment term. Let’s assume you refinance at a 3% interest rate and a 10-year repayment term. You would save $495 each month and $59,440 overall.

Learn more about how to refinance student loans:

• 7 reasons why you should refinance student loans now
• Top 30 questions about student loan refinancing
• Why refinance student loans

Compare: the top lenders to refinance student loans.

View: the latest rates for student loan refinancing.

Learn: the difference between student loan refinancing and student loan consolidation.

How often you can refinance law school loans?

You might wonder when you should refinance law school loans.

When it comes to refinancing law school loans, there is no limit to how often you can refinance. With student loan refinancing, there are no application fees, no origination fees and no prepayment penalties.

Therefore, you can refinance whenever you find a lower interest rate. So, if you refinanced your law school loans previously, you can refinance again to save more money.

How to get the lowest interest rate when you refinance law school loans

There are several steps to take to get the lowest interest rate when you refinance law school loans.

• Compare lenders. Make sure to compare lenders when you refinance law school loans.
• Evaluate interest rates. Examine both fixed and variable interest rates. Your loan repayment term also can determine your interest rate. For example, if you want the lowest interest rate, choose a 5-year loan repayment term.
• Build credit. If you have an excellent credit score, you’re more likely to get a low interest rate. (How to raise your credit score)
• Pay off debt. Lenders will evaluate your debt-to-income ratio. To increase your chances of approval, consider paying off debt such as credit card debt. This can result in a lower debt-to-income ratio, which reduces your chances of student loan default.

Compare student loan refinance rates

Compare the latest rates for student loan refinancing:

Compare the latest rates for student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for law school student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for medical professional student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for medical resident student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for pharmacy school student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for MBA student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for nursing school student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for Parent PLUS Loan refinancing

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If you want to know how to pay private student loans, the good news is that you have several options for private student loan repayment.

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Here’s how to pay private student loans:

1. Refinance student loans
2. Make extra student loan payments
3. Enroll in autopay
4. Make a lump-sum student loan payment
5. Frequently Asked Questions

Refinance student loans

If you want to know how to pay private student loans, student loan refinancing is a popular strategy. When you refinance student loans, you can get a lower interest rate, lower student loan payment or both. Therefore, refinancing student loans helps you save money and pay off student loans faster.

Who should refinance student loans? Student loan refinance is best for student loan borrowers who have:

• a high interest rate;
• large student loan payment; and
• excellent credit

Student loan refinance allows you to choose either a variable interest rate or fixed interest rate. You also have the option to choose a student loan repayment term between 5 and 20 years.

Check the latest rates for student loan refinancing.

This student loan refinancing calculator shows you how much you can save when you refinance student loans.

For example, let’s assume that you have $100,000 of private student loans at 7.5% interest rate and a 10-year repayment term. Let’s assume you refinance student loans at a 3% interest rate and a 10-year repayment term. You would save $221 each month and $26,569 overall.

Learn more about how to refinance student loans:

• 7 reasons why you should refinance student loans now
• How to refinance student loans
• Top 30 questions about student loan refinancing
• Why refinance student loans

View: the top lenders to refinance student loans.

Compare: the latest rates for student loan refinancing.

Learn: the difference between student loan refinancing and student loan consolidation.

Make extra student loan payments

Another way how to pay private student loans is to make extra student loan payments. Each month, make sure to pay your minimum monthly payment. To pay off private student loans faster, you can make extra student loan payments.

This student loan payoff calculator shows you how much money you can save when you pay off student loans faster.

For example, let’s assume that you have $200,000 of student loans with an 8% interest rate and $2.427 monthly student loan payment. If you pay an extra $500 per month (for a total of $2,927 per month), you could pay off your student loans 2.33 years earlier and save $23,360.

If you make extra student loan payments, make sure to inform your student loan servicer in writing. Your student loan servicer should apply your extra student loan payment toward reducing your principal student loan balance.

(How to pay federal student loans).

Enroll in autopay

You can pay private student loans by enrolling in autopay. Autopay, or automatic payments, is the process of connecting your student loan accounts to your bank account. Each month, your student loan company will automatically deduct your monthly student loan payment directly from your bank account. With autopay, you won’t have to worry about missing a student loan payment or making a late student loan payment.

The advantage of enrolling in autopay is that you can lower your interest rate by 0.25%. For example, let’s assume your student loan interest rate is 5%. With autopay, your student loan interest will become 4.75%.

Make a lump-sum student loan payment

To pay private student loans, you can make a lump-sum student loan payment.

Each month, you should always make the minimum student loan payment. In addition, you can also make a lump-sum student loan payment to save student loan interest.

This lump sum extra payment calculator shows you how much money and time you can save when you make a lump sum payment or extra payment toward your student loans.

For example, let’s assume you have $70,000 of student loans, an 8% interest rate and $849 monthly student loan payment. Now, let’s assume you make a one-time, lump-sum student loan payment of $5,000.

If you make a one-time, extra payment of $5,000, you will save $4,830 on your student loans. Plus, you will pay off your student loans 12 months earlier.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to pay private student loans?

The amount of time it takes to pay private student loans depends on your strategy for student loan repayment.

For example:

• Standard Repayment Plan: 10 years
• Student Loan Refinancing: 5 to 20 years
• Extra Student Loan Payment: varies
• Lump-Sum Student Loan Payment: varies

A shorter student loan repayment term such as 5 years will result in a higher monthly payment, but you will save more money in interest. A longer student loan repayment term such as 20 years will result in a lower student loan payment, but it will cost more interest over time.

What’s the fastest way to pay student loans?

The fastest way to pay student loans includes student loan refinancing, enrolling in autopay, making an extra student loan payment, and making a one-time, lump-sum student loan payment.

Are private student loans forgiven after 20 years?

Unlike federal student loans, private student loans aren’t forgiven after 20 years.

Why? Private student loans generally don’t have student loan forgiveness or income-driven repayment plans. That said, your private student loan lender or student loan servicer may offer forbearance, deferment or other options for student loan repayment.

How to pay private student loans

Compare the latest rates for student loan refinancing so you can pay private student loans:

Compare the latest rates for student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for law school student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for medical professional student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for medical resident student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for pharmacy school student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for MBA student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for nursing school student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for Parent PLUS Loan refinancing

[related_posts post_1=’2937′ post_2=’3289′ post_3=’318′]

If you want to know how to pay off $400,000 of student loans, the good news is that you have several options. In particular, if you’re a doctor, dentist, or lawyer, then you may have borrowed significant student loans to earn your degree. From student loan refinancing to income-driven repayment, let’s explore the best ways how to pay off $400,000 of student loans.

[refinance_student_loans_table]

Here’s how to pay off $400,000 of student loans:

1. Refinance student loans
2. Get a cosigner for student loan refinancing
3. Use income-driven repayment
4. Sign up for student loan forgiveness
5. Consider the avalanche and snowball method
6. Frequently Asked Questions

Refinance student loans

If you want to know how to pay off $400,000 of student loans, a good place to start is student loan refinancing. For example, when you refinance student loans, you can get a lower interest rate, lower student loan payment or both. This not only helps you save money, but also helps you pay off student loans faster.

Student loan refinancing is best for you if:

• you have a high interest rate on your student loan debt,
• a high monthly student loan payment, and
• good to excellent credit.

With student loan refinancing, you will get a new private student loan that will be used to pay off your current student loans. You can refinance both federal and private student loans, choose a variable or fixed interest rate, and a student loan repayment term of 5 to 20 years.

Compare the latest rates for student loan refinancing.

This student loan refinancing calculator shows you how much you can save when you refinance student loans.

For example, let’s assume that you have $400,000 of student loans at a 7.0% interest rate and a 10-year repayment term. Next, let’s assume you refinance student loans at a 3% interest rate and a 10-year repayment term. Then, you would save $782 each month and $93,829 overall.

Learn more about how to refinance student loans:

• 7 reasons why you should refinance student loans now
• How to refinance student loans
• Why refinance student loans
• Is student loan refinancing worth it?
• Top 30 questions about student loan refinancing

Get a cosigner for student loan refinancing

How to pay off $400,000 of student loans is no easy task. Therefore, you may need to get a cosigner for student loan refinancing, particularly if you have bad credit or average credit. If you don’t refinance student loans, your student loan payments could become expensive.

This monthly student loan payment calculator shows you your monthly and total student loan payments.

Let’s assume you don’t refinance student loans. For student loans with a balance of $400,000 with a 7% average interest rate and a loan term of 10 years, your total monthly payment would be $4,644. The total repayment amount would be $557,321 (which includes $157,321 in interest).

Based on the student loan refinance example, student loan refinancing with a cosigner could save you $782 each month and $93,829 overall.

Compare: the top lenders to refinance student loans.

View: the latest rates for student loan refinancing.

Know: the difference between student loan refinancing and student loan consolidation.

Use income-driven repayment

If you want to know how to pay off $400,000 of student loans, an income-driven repayment plan may help. An income-driven repayment plan sets your monthly federal student loan payment based on your discretionary income and family size. You can pay as low as $0 each month for your federal student loans. However, most borrowers will pay 10% to 20% of your discretionary income for your federal student loans.

There are four income-driven repayment plans:

• Income-Based Repayment (IBR)
• Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
• Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE)
• Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR)

Compare each plan to determine which income-driven repayment plan is best for your financial situation. For example, your student loan payments may be different depending upon which income-driven repayment plan you choose.

Importantly, income-driven repayment plans offer student loan forgiveness too. For example, you can have your federal student loans forgiven after 20 years (undergraduate student loans) or 25 years (graduate student loans).

Sign up for student loan forgiveness

To pay off $400,000 of student loans, you could sign up for student loan forgiveness.

The federal government offers various program for student loan forgiveness. For example, some programs offer partial student loan forgiveness, while most programs provide total student loan cancellation.

(Learn more in our student loan forgiveness guide).

For example, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is available to federal student loan borrowers who work full-time (at least 30 hours a week) for a public service or non-profit employer and make 120 monthly student loan payments. Student loan borrowers should enroll in an income-driven repayment plan and make at least a majority of their student loan payments while enrolled. If you have FFELP Loans or Perkins Loans, you should do a federal student loan consolidation to get a Direct Consolidation Loan. Then, pay off your Direct Consolidation Loan with an income-driven repayment plan. For public service loan forgiveness, you should submit an Employer Certification Form to the U.S. Department of Education each year and whenever you change jobs.

Student loan forgiveness is available for student loan borrowers such as:

• Military
• Law enforcement
• First responders
• Doctors
• Nurses
• Teachers
• Public servants

This public service loan forgiveness calculator helps you decide which income-driven repayment plan is best for you to save more money for public service loan forgiveness.

Teacher Loan Forgiveness is another example of student loan forgiveness that is available for teachers. For example, this program grants up to $17,500 of federal student loan forgiveness for teachers who are employed full-time for five complete and consecutive academic years at an elementary school, secondary school or educational service agency that serves low-income students.

Consider the avalanche and snowball method

The avalanche method and the snowball method are two strategies to help you pay off $400,000 of student loans.

Here’s how each method works:

The avalanche method

To pay off $400,000 of student loans with the avalanche method, you pay off your most expensive student loans first.

The avalanche method works like this:

1. Make the minimum payment on your student loans.
2. Identify the student loan with the highest interest rate.
3. Keep paying the student loan with the highest interest rate until it’s paid off.
4. Pay off the student loan with the next highest interest rate.
5. Repeat until you have pay off all your student loans.

This student loan payoff calculator shows you how much money you can save when you pay off your student loans faster.

Let’s assume that you have $400,000 of student loans and a 7% interest rate. Next, let’s assume that your monthly student loan payment is $4,644. So, if you pay an extra $400 per month (for a total of $5,044 per month), you could pay off your student loans 1.08 years earlier and save $18,785.

The snowball method:

Alternatively, you can pay off $400,000 of student loans with the snowball method. With the snowball method, you pay off your lowest balance student loan first.

The snowball method works like this:

1. Always make your minimum monthly student loan payment.
2. Pay off your lowest balance student loan.
3. Repeat until you pay off your lowest balance student loan
4. Focus on paying your student loan with the next lowest balance.
5. Follow this process until your student loans are paid off.

Frequently Asked Questions

[related_posts post_1=’2937′ post_2=’3289′ post_3=’318′]

If you want to know how to pay off $300,000 of student loans, you’re not alone. Having $300,000 of student loans can feel overwhelming. Like many doctors, dentists and lawyers, you may have borrowed student loans to pay for school. However, the good news is that there are simple strategies how to pay off $300,000 of student loans.

[refinance_student_loans_table]

Here’s how to pay off $300,000 of student loans:

1. Refinance your student loans
2. Use a cosigner for student loan refinancing
3. Enroll in income-driven repayment
4. Explore student loan forgiveness
5. Compare the avalanche and snowball method

Refinance your student loans

A popular strategy for how to pay off $300,000 of student loans is to refinance your student loans. When you refinance student loans, you get a lower interest rate, which saves you money.

The process is simple: you combine your current student loans into a new, single, private student loans with a lower interest rate, lower student loan payment or both. Student loan refinancing can help you save up to thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars, in interest over the life of your student loan.

With $300,000 of student loans, student loan refinancing is best for you if you have a high interest rate on your student loan debt, a high monthly student loan payment, and good to excellent credit. You can refinance federal student loans, private student loans or both. Both variable interest rates and fixed interest rates are available. Borrowers can also choose a student loan repayment term from five to 20 years.

Compare the latest rates for student loan refinancing.

This student loan refinancing calculator shows you how much you can save when you refinance student loans.

For example, let’s assume that you have $300,000 of student loans at a 7.5% interest rate and a 10-year repayment term. Let’s assume you refinance student loans at a 3% interest rate and a 10-year repayment term. You would save $664 each month and $79,708 overall.

Here are helpful resources for student loan refinancing:

• 7 reasons why you should refinance student loans now
• How to refinance student loans
• Why refinance student loans
• Is student loan refinancing worth it?
• Top 30 questions about student loan refinancing

Use a cosigner for student loan refinancing

The ability to pay off $300,000 of student loans may depend on whether you can get approved for student loan refinancing. To qualify for student loan refinancing, you will need at least a 650 credit score. However, many lenders prefer a credit score higher than 700. If you have bad credit or average credit, you may want to use a cosigner for student loan refinancing.

What is a cosigner? A qualified cosigner is a spouse, parent or relative with strong credit and stable income who will apply with you. If you use a cosigner, it could help you get approved for student loan refinancing and get a lower interest rate. Importantly, a cosigner assumes equal financial responsibility for your student loans.

If you don’t have a cosigner or don’t apply for student loan refinancing, it’s important to understand the full cost of your student loans. This can help you determine how to pay off $300,000 of student loans in the best way for you.

This monthly student loan payment calculator shows you your monthly and total student loan payments.

Let’s assume you don’t refinance student loans. For student loans with a balance of $300,000 with a 7.5% average interest rate and a loan term of 10 years, your total monthly payment would be $3,561. The total repayment amount would be $427,326 (which includes $127,326 in interest).

Therefore, student loan refinancing with a cosigner could help save you money.

Compare: the latest rates for student loan refinancing.

Learn: the difference between student loan refinancing and student loan consolidation.

Read: the top lenders to refinance student loans.

Enroll in an income-driven repayment plan

If you want to know how to pay off $300,000 of student loans, an income-driven repayment plan may be another helpful option. An income-driven repayment plan is best for borrowers who have federal student loans and who are struggling to make monthly payments. Through income-driven repayment, your monthly student loan payment will be based on your discretionary income and family size.

There are four income-driven repayment plans:

• Income-Based Repayment (IBR)
• Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
• Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE)
• Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR)

It’s important to compare income-driven repayment plan options to determine which student loan repayment plan is best for you. While your monthly payment could be as low as $0, typically your student loan payment is 10-20% of your monthly discretionary income.

Income-driven repayment plans also offer student loan forgiveness after 20 years (for undergraduate student loans) or 25 years (for graduate student loans). If you make full, on-time monthly payments over this time period, your remaining federal student loan balance can be forgiven.

Explore student loan forgiveness

To pay off $300,000 of student loans, student loan forgiveness is an option to explore.

For federal student loans, there are several options for student loan forgiveness. These programs are offered through the federal government and can lead to student loan cancellation after requirements are met.

(Learn more in our student loan forgiveness guide).

For example, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is available to federal student loan borrowers who work full-time (at least 30 hours a week) for a public service or non-profit employer and make 120 monthly student loan payments. Student loan borrowers can get full federal student loan cancellation if they meet certain requirements. Importantly, make sure to submit an Employer Certification Form to the U.S. Department of Education each year and whenever you change jobs.

Who can qualify for student loan forgiveness through public service loan forgiveness? Here are a few examples:

• Military
• Law enforcement
• First responders
• Doctors
• Nurses
• Teachers
• Public servants

This public service loan forgiveness calculator helps you decide which income-driven repayment plan is best for you to save more money for public service loan forgiveness.

Teacher Loan Forgiveness is another option for student loan forgiveness. This program grants up to $17,500 of federal student loan forgiveness for teachers. To qualify for Teacher Loan Forgiveness, you must be employed full-time for five complete and consecutive academic years at an elementary school, secondary school or educational service agency that serves low-income students.

Compare the avalanche and snowball method

The avalanche method and the snowball method are two strategies for student loan repayment. While both are effective strategies, you may prefer either the avalanche method or the snowball method based on your personal circumstances and financial goals.

The avalanche method

The avalanche method is a smart strategy to pay off $300,000 of student loans. Why? The goal of the avalanche method is to pay off your most expensive student loans first.

The avalanche method works like this:

1. First, pay the minimum monthly payment on your student loans.
2. Second, pay the student loan with the highest interest rate.
3. Third, pay off the student loan with the highest interest rate.
4. Fourth, pay off the student loan with the next highest interest rate.
5. Fifth, repeat this process until you have paid off all your student loans.

This student loan payoff calculator shows you how much money you can save when you pay off your student loans faster.

Let’s assume that you have $300,000 of student loans and a 7.5% interest rate. Let’s also assume that your monthly student loan payment is $3,561. If you pay an extra $500 per month (for a total of $4,061 per month), you could pay off your student loans 1.67 years earlier and save $23,628.

The snowball method:

The snowball method is another popular option to pay off $300,000 of student loans. Why? The snowball method helps you pay off your lowest balance student loan first. This helps you build confidence as you pay off debt.

The snowball method works like this:

1. First, pay your minimum monthly student loan payment.
2. Second, pay off your lowest balance student loan.
3. Third, repeat this process until you pay off your lowest balance student loan
4. Fourth, pay your student loan with the next lowest balance.
5. Fifth, repeat this process until you pay off your student loans.

How to pay off $300,000 of student loans

Compare the latest rates for student loan refinancing so you can pay off $300,000 of student loans:

Compare the latest rates for student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for law school student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for medical professional student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for medical resident student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for pharmacy school student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for MBA student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for nursing school student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for Parent PLUS Loan refinancing

[related_posts post_1=’2937′ post_2=’3289′ post_3=’318′]

If you borrowed student loans for school, you may be wondering the best way how to pay off student loans. The good news is there are many options for student loan repayment that can help you pay off student loans faster and save money. From income-driven repayment and student loan refinancing to student loan consolidation and student loan forgiveness, let’s help you master paying off your student loans with confidence.

[refinance_student_loans_table]

Here’s how to pay off student loans:

1. Determine your student loan balance
2. Evaluate student loan repayment goals
3. Use the student loan grace period
4. Enroll in autopay
5. Make extra student loan payments
6. Make lump-sum student loan payments
7. Consider student loan consolidation
8. Refinance student loans
9. Explore student loan forgiveness

Determine your student loan balance

The first step on how to pay off student loans is to determine your student loan balance. Specifically, you want to gather the following information:

• Your total federal student loan balance
• Your total private student loan balance
• Which student loans are federal student loans
• Which student loans are private student loans
• Who your student loan servicer is for each student loan
• Your minimum monthly student loan payment
• The interest rate on each student loan

You can check your student loan balance and learn more information about your student loans through the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).

Evaluate student loan repayment goals

When you decide to pay off student loans, you will want to evaluate your student loan repayment goals. For example, when evaluating student loan repayment options, some student loan borrowers will have different preferences based on their current financial situation and financial goals.

Specifically, you should answer these questions about your student loans:

• How much money do I owe?
• Which types of student loans do I have?
• How much can I afford to pay?
• What are my financial goals?

For example, if you are struggling to pay off student loans and need more time, you might prefer a lower monthly student loan payment. There are many ways how to lower your student loan payment. For example, an income-driven repayment plan such as IBR, PAYE, REPAYE or ICR could be best for your federal student loans. With an income-driven repayment plan, your student loan payment is based on your income and family size. After 20 years or 25 years, you can get student loan forgiveness for your federal student loans.

Alternatively, you may want to pay off student loans faster. This could help you save interest and get out of debt more quickly. In this case, student loan refinancing could be your best option.

Use the student loan grace period

When you graduate school or leave school, most federal student loans come with a six-month grace period. Think of the grace period for student loans as a time period to get organized about student loan repayment without having to pay student loans. However, not all federal student loans have a grace period. For example, here are several types of federal student loans and if your student loan has a grace period.

• Direct Subsidized Loans: have a six-month grace period
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: have a six-month grace period
• PLUS Loans: no grace period
• Grad PLUS Loans: six-month deferment
• Parent PLUS Loans: you can request a six-month deferment
• Perkins Loans: check with your school regarding any grace period

Importantly, during your grace period, student loan interest accrues on your student loan balance. While student loan payments aren’t required during the grace period, you can choose to pay interest on your federal student loans during the grace period. If you don’t pay interest on your federal student loans, the interest will capitalize. This means the student loan interest will be added to your student loan balance at the end of your grace period.

For private student loans, check with your lender to determine if there is any grace period for student loan repayment once you graduate or leave school.

Enroll in autopay

Enroll in autopay with you student loan servicer (which is the company to whom you send your student loan payments). Autopay, or automatic payments, is the process of connecting your bank account to your student loan account with your student loan servicer. Each month, your student loan servicer will automatically debit your bank account for your student loan payment.

For example, most lenders will give you a 0.25% interest rate discount for enrolling in autopay.

Enrolling in autopay also will help you avoid late payments, which can hurt your credit score. Therefore, making automatic student loan payments every months means you won’t have to worry about remembering when to make payments or hurting your credit score if you make a late payment.

Make extra student loan payments

One strategy to pay off student loans is to make extra student loan payments. If you make any extra student loan payments, which are optional, always make sure to make your minimum student loan payment each month. Otherwise, extra interest and possibly late fees could accrue.

You’re not required to make extra student loan payments beyond one student loan payment each month. For many student loan borrowers, making one student loan payment every month can be challenging. However, if you have any extra money each month, you could make an extra student loan payment to pay off debt faster.

This student loan payoff calculator shows you how much money you can save when you pay off your student loans faster.

For example, let’s assume that you have $50,000 of student loans, an 8% interest rate and a $607 monthly student loan payment. If you pay an extra $100 per month (for a total of $707 per month), you could pay off your student loans 1.99 years earlier and save $4,923.

If you make extra student loan payments, inform your student loan servicer in writing to apply any extra student loan payments to pay off the principal balance on your student loans. Without this instruction, your student loan servicer may hold your extra payment until your next student loan payment due date.

Make lump-sum student loan payments

Another strategy on how to pay off student loans is to make lump-sum student loan payments. Rather than increase your student loan payment each month, you could make a one-time student loan payment to pay off student loans.

If you get a bonus, tax refund, inheritance, gift or any other sum, you could consider using it to pay off your student loans.

This lump sum extra payment calculator shows you how much money and time you can save when you make a lump sum payment or extra payment toward your student loans.

For example, let’s assume that you have $50,000 of student loans, an 8% interest rate and a $607 monthly student loan payment. Now, let’s assume you make a one-time, lump-sum student loan payment of $2,000. If you make a one-time, extra payment of $2,000, you will save $1,994 on your student loans. Plus, you will pay off your student loans six months earlier.

Consider student loan consolidation

Student loan consolidation refers to consolidating your federal student loans and is one strategy how to pay off student loans.

With student loan consolidation, you combine your current federal student loans into a new federal student loan called a Direct Consolidation Loan. The advantage of federal student loan consolidation is the ability to organize your current federal student loans into a single student loan. That means you will have one student loan payment, one interest rate and one student loan servicer. Therefore, student loan consolidation can simplify student loan repayment by helping you to organize your student loans.

The downside of student loan consolidation is that you won’t get a lower interest rate. With student loan consolidation, your new interest rate is equal to a weighted average of the interest rates on your current federal student loans, rounded up to the nearest 1/8%.

Read: Learn the difference between student loan refinancing and student loan consolidation.

Refinance student loans

To pay off student loans, you can refinance student loans to get a lower interest rate, pay off debt faster and save money.

Student loan refinancing is best for student loan borrowers with a high interest rate on their student loan debt, a high monthly student loan payment, and good to excellent credit. With student loan refinancing, you can refinance federal student loans, private student loans or both. When you refinance student loans, you exchange your existing student loans for a new, private student loan with a lower interest rate. The proceeds from your new student loan are used to pay off your current student loan debt.

When you refinance student loans, you can choose a fixed interest rate or variable interest rate. You can also pay off your student loans in five to 20 years.

Compare the latest rates for student loan refinancing.

This student loan refinancing calculator shows you how much you can save when you refinance student loans.

For example, let’s assume that you have $100,000 of student loans at a 7% interest rate and a 10-year repayment term. Let’s assume you refinance student loans at a 3% interest rate and a 10-year repayment term. You would save $195 each month and $23,457 overall.

Here are helpful resources for student loan refinancing:

• Best student loan refinance lenders
• Why refinance student loans
• 7 reasons why you should refinance student loans now
• Is student loan refinancing worth it?
• How to refinance student loans

Explore student loan forgiveness

Student loan forgiveness is another option to pay off student loans that you should consider.

(Here’s how to get student loan forgiveness and cancel student loan debt).

There are several ways to get student loan forgiveness through federal programs. Student loan forgiveness is available for federal student loans, but often is not available for private student loans. Most student loan forgiveness programs have requirements such as working as a public servant or working in a disadvantaged community for a certain period of time. For example, two popular programs for student loan forgiveness are the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and Teacher Loan Forgiveness.

(Learn more in our student loan forgiveness guide).

You can also get student loan forgiveness through an income-driven repayment plan:

• Undergraduate student loans: 20 years of monthly student loan payments
• Graduate student loans: 25 years of monthly student loan payments

Here are some examples of how to get student loan forgiveness:

• Student loan forgiveness for doctors
• Student loan forgiveness for dentists
• Student loan forgiveness for pharmacists
• Student loan forgiveness for nurses
• Student loan forgiveness for teachers

How to pay off student loans: latest rates for student loan refinancing

If you want to know how to pay off student loans, compare the latest rates for student loan refinancing and find the best lender for you.

Compare the latest rates for student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for law school student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for medical professional student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for medical resident student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for pharmacy school student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for MBA student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for nursing school student loan refinancing

Compare the latest rates for Parent PLUS Loan refinancing

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