If you’re considering taking out a private student loan to fund your education, it’s important to carefully review and compare the repayment terms offered by different lenders. Private student loan repayment terms can vary widely and can have a significant impact on the total cost of your loan, as well as your ability to manage your debt after graduation.
In this post, we’ll dive further into the different terms that are available depending on your private student loan, how longer terms affect monthly repayment plans, and the tools available to you to easily compare student loan repayment terms side by side.
Private Student Loan Repayment Terms
Private student loans accrue interest while you are in school. Federal student loans have the potential to accrue interest while enrolled in school, but it depends on the loan you take out, such as a federal unsubsidized loan. Regardless, most private and federal repayment plans don’t start until about six months after graduation.
Each lender is unique and as such, they will offer different repayment options. However, there are four common repayment plans.
Keep in mind that the repayment plan you select depends on your individual needs. Here’s a little more background on each one:
Immediate Repayment
With Immediate Repayment, you will be able to make monthly payments on your loan as soon as it is disbursed. Making monthly payments right after your loan is disbursed can help you minimize the amount of interest that accrues and save you money in the long run.
However, you’d be a college student while making these payments. If the stereotypes of eating ramen and pizza pockets to make ends meet tell us anything, it’s that it could be really difficult for many students to make consistent monthly payments. If you plan on having a job while in college, it might make sense for you.
Interest-Only
Your lender would allow you to only make interest-only payments while you are in school. With an interest-only repayment plan, the borrower only has to worry about paying back the interest that has accrued on the loan each month while in school. For example, if a loan of $50,000 accrued $50 in interest that month, you’d only be responsible for those $50 that month.
After you graduate, it might be easier for you to make monthly payments toward your student loans. Because interest will compound, making interest-only payments will reduce the total amount of interest that you pay over time. At the same time, it might also be more manageable to pay off the interest of your loans compared to making payments going toward your student loans and the accrued interest.
Similar to immediate repayment plans, it might be a financial burden to enroll in an interest-only repayment plan while you are in college since you would still have to pay interest on your loans while studying.
Fixed Monthly Payments
Fixed monthly payments, also known as partial interest repayment terms, allow borrowers to make fixed monthly payments while still enrolled in college. Fixed payments are typically between $20 and $50 and go toward your interest, helping you keep the overall debt amount lower by keeping the interest from accruing. For some students, this might be more manageable since they would have to pay a little bit of money that will go toward their interest rate, compared to other repayment plans.
However, by the time you graduate, you’re still going to find yourself having to pay more than you borrowed due to the partial interest that you didn’t pay with your plan. Yet, you could expect your loan balance to not grow as much thanks to at least paying some of that partial interest.
Full Deferment
A full deferment repayment plan is similar to how federal student loans work, in which students can expect to start paying off their loans post-graduation. Under this plan, you wouldn’t be responsible for paying off your student loans while you’re enrolled in school, giving you time to plan. Many lenders offer a six month grace period after graduation, making it easier for recent graduates to find employment without having to worry just yet of their student loans.
This repayment plan does have its drawbacks, particularly that your loan will accrue interest while you are studying. As such, your monthly payments may be bigger, and thus, it could take you longer to finish paying off your loans.
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How is a Monthly Loan Payment Affected by a Longer Term?
Student loan repayment periods range in length, roughly between 10 to 30 years. As such, you’d think that with the long period of time you have to pay off your loans, your monthly payments will be low. While that is true, keep in mind that loans accrue interest. If you find yourself with a long-term student loan, you’ll still be paying a lot since you’ll also be paying for the interest of the loan. The longer the term, the bigger the interest. Shorter repayment periods tend to attack debt more aggressively, and thus, the monthly payments will be higher than they would be on a longer repayment period.
Compare Standard Repayment Terms Side-by-Side
How would a loan differ based on the repayment terms? Perhaps comparing terms side by side might be an easy way to see for yourself.
By using any student loan calculator online, you can determine how the standard loan repayment terms might affect your monthly payments, but also the long-term cost of the loan.
Let’s say you have a $30,000 loan with a 5% interest rate. Under a 10-year repayment term, you can expect to pay $318 a month. However, the lifetime cost of your student loan would be $38,184 paid over 10 years.
What if we use the same loan with the same interest rate but with a longer term, such as 20 years. While your monthly payments are significantly less, $198, the lifetime cost of your student loan would be $47,517 over 20 years.
What if we try one more, with the same loan, interest rate, but a shorter term, like 5 years? Your monthly payments will be $566. However, the lifetime cost of this student loan would be $33,968 paid over 5 years.
Since interest is compounded monthly, repayment plans with shorter terms will help you tackle more debt at a faster rate. Keep this in mind while you’re in the market for a student loan.
How to Figure Out Which Repayment Term Will Be Best for You
Aside from the loan simulator, there are many other resources that can help you find the best repayment plan for you.
The loan simulator, a tool created by the Office of Federal Student Aid, allows you to get a first-look at the federal student loan repayment plans you may qualify for if you’re looking to find repayment strategies, if you’re struggling with paying off your student loans, or if you want to potentially borrow more.
Sparrow, on the other hand, is a great resource if you’re looking into private student loans. Our platform gets you personalized rates and allows you to compare multiple loan offers from different private lenders side by side. Lenders on the platform offer a wide range of repayment options, such as immediate repayment, fixed monthly payments, interest-only payments, and full deferment payments.
Student loan rates from our partners
Ascent
Ascent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills, or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations; and terms and conditions may apply. For Ascent Terms and Conditions please visit: www.AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Rates are effective as of 11/1/2024 and reflect an automatic payment discount of either 0.25% (for credit-based loans) OR 1.00% (for undergraduate outcomes-based loans). Automatic Payment Discount is available if the borrower is enrolled in automatic payments from their personal checking account and the amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. For Ascent rates and repayment examples please visit: AscentFunding.com/Rates. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. Cosigned Credit-Based Loan student must meet certain minimum credit criteria. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your cosigner. Lowest rates require full
principal and interest payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the repayment examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins.
Ascent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills, or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations; and terms and conditions may apply. For Ascent Terms and Conditions please visit: www.AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Rates are effective as of 11/1/2024 and reflect an automatic payment discount of either 0.25% (for credit-based loans) OR 1.00% (for undergraduate outcomes-based loans). Automatic Payment Discount is available if the borrower is enrolled in automatic payments from their personal checking account and the amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. For Ascent rates and repayment examples please visit: AscentFunding.com/Rates. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. Cosigned Credit-Based Loan student must meet certain minimum credit criteria. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your cosigner. Lowest rates require full
principal and interest payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the repayment examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins.
LendKey
1 – Terms and Conditions Apply
Loan products, terms, and benefits may be modified or discontinued by participating lenders at any time without notice. Rates displayed are reserved for the most creditworthy consumers who enroll to make automatic monthly payments. Your initial rate will be determined after a review of your application and credit profile. Variable rates may increase after consummation. You must be either a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident in an eligible state and from an eligible school, and meet the lender’s credit and income requirements to qualify for a loan. Certain membership requirements (including the opening of a share account, a minimum share account deposit, and the payment of any applicable association fees in connection with membership) may apply in the event that an applicant wishes to apply with, and accept a loan offered from, a credit union lender. If you are not a member of the credit union lender, you may apply and become a member during the loan application process if you meet the lender’s eligibility criteria. Applying with a creditworthy cosigner may result in a better chance of loan approval and/or lower interest rate. Loans for exam preparation classes, including, but not limited to, loans for LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, and GRE preparation, are not available via LendKey.com.
2 – Cosigner Release
Some lenders participating on LendKey.com may offer the benefit of cosigner release. Cosigner release is subject to lender approval. In order to qualify, the borrower, alone, must meet the following requirements: (1) Make the required number of consecutive, on-time full principal and interest payments as indicated in the borrower’s credit agreement during the repayment period (excluding interest-only payments) immediately prior to the request. Any period of forbearance will reset the repayment clock; (2) The account cannot be in delinquent status; (3) The borrower must provide proof of income indicating that he/she meets the income requirements and pass a credit review demonstrating that he/she has a satisfactory credit history and the ability to assume full responsibility of loan repayment; (4) No bankruptcies or foreclosures in the last sixty months; and (5) No loan defaults.
3 – Autopay Rate Reduction
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments.
4 – AutoPay Discount & Lowest Interest Rate
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments. The lowest advertised APR is only available for loan terms of 10 years and is reserved for the highest qualified applicants, taking into consideration the applicant’s credit and other factors.
1 – Terms and Conditions Apply
Loan products, terms, and benefits may be modified or discontinued by participating lenders at any time without notice. Rates displayed are reserved for the most creditworthy consumers who enroll to make automatic monthly payments. Your initial rate will be determined after a review of your application and credit profile. Variable rates may increase after consummation. You must be either a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident in an eligible state and from an eligible school, and meet the lender’s credit and income requirements to qualify for a loan. Certain membership requirements (including the opening of a share account, a minimum share account deposit, and the payment of any applicable association fees in connection with membership) may apply in the event that an applicant wishes to apply with, and accept a loan offered from, a credit union lender. If you are not a member of the credit union lender, you may apply and become a member during the loan application process if you meet the lender’s eligibility criteria. Applying with a creditworthy cosigner may result in a better chance of loan approval and/or lower interest rate. Loans for exam preparation classes, including, but not limited to, loans for LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, and GRE preparation, are not available via LendKey.com.
2 – Cosigner Release
Some lenders participating on LendKey.com may offer the benefit of cosigner release. Cosigner release is subject to lender approval. In order to qualify, the borrower, alone, must meet the following requirements: (1) Make the required number of consecutive, on-time full principal and interest payments as indicated in the borrower’s credit agreement during the repayment period (excluding interest-only payments) immediately prior to the request. Any period of forbearance will reset the repayment clock; (2) The account cannot be in delinquent status; (3) The borrower must provide proof of income indicating that he/she meets the income requirements and pass a credit review demonstrating that he/she has a satisfactory credit history and the ability to assume full responsibility of loan repayment; (4) No bankruptcies or foreclosures in the last sixty months; and (5) No loan defaults.
3 – Autopay Rate Reduction
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments.
4 – AutoPay Discount & Lowest Interest Rate
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments. The lowest advertised APR is only available for loan terms of 10 years and is reserved for the highest qualified applicants, taking into consideration the applicant’s credit and other factors.
Earnest
Student Loan Origination (Private Student Loan) Interest Rate Disclosure:
Student Loan Origination (Private Student Loan) Interest Rate Disclosure:
College Ave
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
(1) All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
(2) As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
(3) This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
Information advertised valid as of 11/1/2024. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
(1) All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
(2) As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
(3) This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
Information advertised valid as of 11/1/2024. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
Final Thoughts
Student loan repayment terms are complicated, regardless of whether you have public or private loans. The good news is that there are so many different options available to help you find the right repayment plans for you. It’s simply a matter of being able to compare your options and weigh out the right fit based on your needs as a college student and the loans that are available to you.
Take the next step in conquering your student loans by creating a free Sparrow account. Apply once and get real rates fit for your unique financial situation. The best part: the platform is completely free and won’t impact your credit score!