Borrower question library

Student Loan Scenarios: What Should I Do Next?

Start with the situation that sounds most like you. Each scenario points to the calculator or guide that should come next.

Published: July 13, 2026

Last updated: September 1, 2026

Reviewed by: RepaymentGuide Editorial Team

Policy info reviewed: September 1, 2026

RepaymentGuide is independent and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid, or any loan servicer.

Important disclaimer

This content is educational and does not provide legal, tax, or individualized financial advice. Confirm deadlines, eligibility, and payment amounts with StudentAid.gov, your loan servicer, or a qualified advisor before making a repayment decision.

If you are comparing next steps, start with the repayment recommendation flow and then verify the result through official channels.

My SAVE payment was $0. RAP says I owe money now.

This is common because RAP uses AGI tiers and has a minimum payment. Compare IBR/PAYE before assuming RAP is your best replacement.

SAVE next stepsPayment increased?Estimate RAPAsk your servicerCompare IBR vs RAP

I got a SAVE notice and have 90 days.

Save the notice, calculate the date, add reminders, compare plans, and submit early enough for servicer processing. Use the same workflow for an IDR recertification or plan-selection deadline.

Calculate deadlineEstimate before deadlineCheck payment shockGet plan pathPrepare questionsEscalate if unresolvedRAP vs SAVE

I work in public service and want PSLF.

Payment amount matters, but qualifying payment treatment matters more. Verify Direct Loan status, employer certification, and payment counts.

RAP and PSLFPSLF calculatorServicer scriptPSLF Help Tool

I am married and considering filing separately.

Run the tax and loan math together. A lower payment can be outweighed by higher taxes or lost deductions, especially when borrower-only income differs sharply from household income.

MFS and RAP guideCompare IDR plansMarried borrower guide

I have Parent PLUS loans.

Parent PLUS repayment is its own lane. Check consolidation history before assuming RAP, IBR, or PAYE applies.

Parent PLUS checkerParent PLUS guideGet plan path

My tax return AGI includes capital gains.

Use the tax-return AGI estimate first, then check whether the official IDR process lets you document current income if the gain was one-time income.

IBR AGI estimateCompare IDR plansAsk about income proof

I want a PAYE estimate from AGI and dependents.

Run PAYE as a scenario when household size, dependents, and payment caps matter. Then compare the result against IBR, RAP, Standard repayment, and PSLF goals.

PAYE calculatorCompare IBRCheck PSLF

My loans are in default.

Default resolution comes before plan optimization. Compare rehabilitation vs consolidation, then choose the post-default repayment path.

Default guideComplaint packetOfficial default optionsPlan after default

Official sources to verify your scenario