2026 repayment decision assistant
RAP vs IBR vs PAYE Recommendation Tool
Get a practical starting point for which repayment plans to compare first based on income, household size, PSLF goals, and Parent PLUS status.
Recommendation flow assumptions
These tools provide planning estimates only. Your loan servicer and StudentAid.gov determine your final eligibility, payment amount, due date, and forgiveness credit.
Show calculation assumptions
- The flow prioritizes which plans to compare first; it does not choose a final repayment plan for you.
- PSLF strategy, Parent PLUS history, consolidation status, tax filing status, and income documentation can change the best next step.
- Final plan availability, monthly payment, and PSLF treatment must be confirmed through official channels.
Official sources to verify before acting
- Federal Student Aid repayment plans
Official federal repayment plan overview.
- Federal Student Aid IDR application
Official application path for income-driven repayment.
- Federal Student Aid PSLF Help Tool
Official PSLF employment certification and application tool.
- U.S. Department of Education RAP fact sheet
Department guidance on the Repayment Assistance Plan.
Start here
Compare PAYE first
This is a directional recommendation based on your answers. Confirm final eligibility with StudentAid.gov or your servicer.
#1 PAYE
Est. $217/moWhy compare it
- • Payment cap can help borrowers whose income may rise
- • 20-year non-PSLF forgiveness timeline can be attractive if eligible
- • High balance relative to income makes PAYE worth testing
Watch-outs
- • PAYE has narrower eligibility rules than IBR
#2 RAP
Est. $167/moWhy compare it
- • New 2026 repayment option to compare after SAVE
- • Simple AGI-based formula is easy to estimate
- • Interest and principal benefits may matter if you make full, on-time payments
Watch-outs
- • RAP does not use a poverty-line income exclusion like legacy IDR plans
- • Non-PSLF forgiveness timeline is long
#3 IBR
Est. $217/moWhy compare it
- • Broadly available compared with PAYE
- • Uses discretionary income rather than full AGI
- • Worth comparing when PAYE eligibility is uncertain
Watch-outs
- • Payment percentage and forgiveness timeline can vary by borrower history
- • Confirm eligibility before relying on the estimate
#4 ICR
Est. $434/moWhy compare it
- • Useful fallback if other IDR plans do not fit
- • No income requirement
Watch-outs
- • ICR often produces a higher payment than other IDR plans
- • Always confirm Parent PLUS consolidation details before applying
#5 Standard / Tiered Standard
Why compare it
- • Fixed payments can be simpler if you are not pursuing forgiveness
- • May reduce total interest if you can afford the payment
Watch-outs
- • Can create payment shock after SAVE
- • Does not adjust with income