The average borrower takes 20 years to repay their student loan debt, costing them around $26,000 in interest alone. While it may be tempting to throw all your extra cash toward your student debt to relieve that burden faster, sacrificing investing for retirement to do so may not be the best approach. That said, the decision to pay off student loans or invest isn’t that simple.
If you’re frozen with indecision, here are a few things to consider.
Should I Pay Off Student Loans or Invest?
As with any personal finance decision, deciding whether to pay off student loans or invest is personal. Which route is more advantageous for you will depend on your unique situation.
Generally speaking, however, there are a few main factors to consider:
What Interest Rates Your Student Loans Have
It’s important to consider the interest rate on your student loan(s) in comparison to what you believe the stock market will return. For example, the average student loan interest rate, across all types of student loans, is 5.8%. However, the average return of the S&P 500 is around 10%.
Most investing experts agree that the earlier you invest, the better. This is because of the power of compounding interest: the longer you allow your investments to grow, the greater return you will receive. But by the same token, the longer you take to pay off your student loan debt, the more interest will accrue.
If you have a low-interest student loan, investing may generate a greater return than the amount of interest that accrues on your student loan. However, if you have a high-interest student loan, the interest costs may far outweigh the 10% return from investing.
What Type of Student Loans You Have
Federal student loans have the potential to be forgiven. Each student loan forgiveness program will have its own unique set of requirements. Nonetheless, many will require you to make a specific number of minimum monthly payments to qualify. After making the required payments, your remaining student loan balance will be forgiven.
Given that your debt will be forgiven upon making just the minimum payments, there is little benefit to making surplus payments. In this case, investing would make more sense than directing a surplus payment toward your student debt.
Private student loans, on the other hand, don’t have the potential to be forgiven. So, depending on your interest rate and loan balance, surplus payments may make more sense in comparison to investing.
>> MORE: Compare private student loan rates
Your Debt’s Impact on Your Mental Health
If your student loan debt is causing you an unmanageable amount of angst, it may make more sense to focus your attention on throwing all your spare cash toward it. Even if you recognize that the returns from investing will far outweigh the cost of your student loan interest, it’s okay to prioritize your mental health and pay off your student loan debt first.
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When to Prioritize Paying Off Student Loans Over Investing
As a guideline, there are a few circumstances in which paying off your student loans before investing makes more sense:
- If your student loan interest rate is over 6-7% and you have a high loan balance. The larger your loan balance, the more interest you’re likely to accrue. For example, if you owe $10,000 at a 6% interest rate, you would pay $17,194 total over the course of a 20-year repayment term. However, if you owe $100,000 at a 6% interest rate, you would pay $171,943 total over the course of a 20-year repayment term. Notice how the higher outstanding loan balance results in significantly higher interest costs.
- If you are concerned about being unable to pay your student loan payments in the future. If you opt to prioritize investing, but later experience an inability to make your student loan payments, it may be a scramble to come up with the cash. While you can withdraw money from your investment account, you will likely face a penalty to do so. If you predict a circumstance that will impact your ability to make your student loan payments in the future, it may make more sense to prioritize paying them off before investing. Directing surplus payments toward your student debt will lower your minimum monthly payment, which may make your future payments more manageable.
- If your student loan debt is negatively impacting your mental health. If paying off your student loans will provide you with an immense amount of peace, paying them off before investing may make the most sense.
- If you simply don’t want to have any outstanding debt on your record. Paying off your student loans would not only remove the outstanding debt from your record, but it could improve your credit score as your debt-to-income ratio shifts.
When to Prioritize Investing Over Paying Off Student Loans
Here are a few instances in which investing before paying off your student loans makes more sense:
- If your student loan interest rate is less than 5% and you expect to return the average 10% on your investments. Even with interest costs, the average rate of return on investments will likely outperform most low-interest student loans.
- If your employer offers a 401k match and you are fully vested, meaning you are entitled to the full amount in your 401k including your employer’s match. If you currently contribute to a 401k with an employer match, you may be required to work for the company for a specific amount of time to be entitled to 100% of that employer match. If you decide to leave the company prior to being fully vested, you may only be entitled to a portion of your employer’s contributions.
- If you believe the return on your investments will far outweigh the cost of the student loan. In some instances, investing will far outperform the interest costs associated with making minimum monthly payments on your student loans. In those instances, it may make more sense to focus on investing over paying off your student loans.
Do the Math to See Which Option is Better
If you still aren’t leaning towards one option over the other, do the math to give yourself a concrete answer. Mathematically, one option will outperform the other, which can give you a clearer picture of what to do.
Let’s say you’re in an “either/or” situation — you either want to put an extra $500 on your student loan each month or invest it. Here’s how this would play out based on the average student loan debt and investing data.
Pay Off Student Loans
$37,693 balance
5.8% interest rate
20 year repayment term
Total paid before $500/mo surplus payment: $63,771
Total paid with $500/mo surplus payment: $43,360
By adding a $500/mo surplus payment, you save $20,411 and pay off your student loans in 5 years instead of 20.
Invest
You invest $500/mo.
Average rate of return: 10%
Balance after 20 years: $361,993.36
After 20 years, you contribute $120,000 but earn $241,993.36 in interest.
Balance after 15 years: $200,810.61.
After 15 years, you contribute $90,000, but earn $110,810.61 in interest.
If you opted to direct the $500 a month toward your student debt, you could pay off your loan in 5 years instead of the full repayment term of 20 years. This would save you $20,411 over the life of the loan. Then, let’s say that after paying off your student loans, you began investing that $500 a month. After 15 years, you would have earned $110,810.61 in interest. In total, you “earn” $131,221.61 between both the savings on interest and the interest that accrued on your investments.
Now, if you chose to pay only the minimum monthly payment on your student loans and invest that $500 a month instead, it would take you the entire 20-year repayment term to pay back your student loans. However, you would have earned $241,993.36 in interest on your investments. Even after considering the additional $20,411 cost of making only the minimum monthly payments on your student loans, you still score a net earning of $220,933.36.
In this case, prioritizing investing over paying off your student loans makes mathematical sense. To calculate whether it makes sense for your specific situation, utilize investment calculators and student loan repayment calculators.
Create a Balanced Approach Between Debt Payoff and Investing
The examples we’ve discussed illustrate an “either/or” approach. However, it isn’t necessary to be successful in paying off your student loans OR investing. In fact, creating a balanced approach may work best for you.
If focusing solely on one leaves you anxious about your progress in regards to the other, find a middle ground. For example, in the case of having an extra $500 each month, it’s okay to split up your payments. Directing half towards your debt and half towards your investments isn’t a bad idea if it gives you peace of mind.
FAQs About Paying Off Student Loans vs Investing
The decision of whether to pay off student loans or invest may feel difficult. It’s normal to still have questions. Here are a few of the most common ones:
Is there a downside to paying off student loans early?
When borrowers ask this question, they’re often concerned about facing a prepayment penalty. A prepayment penalty is a fee charged when a borrower pays off their entire loan balance earlier than scheduled. While some lenders may charge a prepayment penalty, student loan lenders cannot.
With that said, the only notable downside to paying off your student loans early is that you may experience a temporary drop in your credit score. By paying off your student loans, you are closing an active line of credit. By doing so, the positive repayment history associated with the account will no longer be factored into your credit score.
Should I use all my savings to pay off my student loans?
While it may be tempting to use your entire life’s savings to wipe out your student loan debt, it isn’t the best approach. Before even considering investing or putting a surplus payment on your student loans, make sure you have a fully funded emergency savings of at least 3 to 6 months of expenses.
However, if you have a fully funded emergency savings, it may make sense to use the remaining balance to pay off your student loans.
What else can I do to pay off my student loans faster?
If it’s not feasible to make a surplus payment on your student loans, here are some ways to pay off your student loans faster:
Consider refinancing. In a simple sense, refinancing your student loan allows you to swap your current student loan(s) for one with a lower interest rate or more favorable terms. Then, you can save money over the life of the loan and expedite the process of getting your balance to zero.
>> MORE: Compare the best student loan refinance rates:
Opt into automatic payments. Many private student loan lenders offer a 0.25% interest rate discount to borrowers who opt in to automatic payments. While a small deduction, it can make a significant difference depending on your current interest rate and outstanding loan balance.
Cut back on expenses. If you don’t already track your spending, consider doing so. By understanding where your money goes, you may find that you’re able to cut back expenses in certain areas. Then, you can re-direct that money toward loan payments.
Pick up a side hustle. The average side hustle generates between $507 and $746 per month, according to USA Today. If you have the capacity to take on a side gig, the additional income could cut down your repayment period.
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 from the Nest
When it comes to the decision of whether to pay off student loans or invest, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Before making a decision, take the time to understand what makes most sense for your unique financial situation. If you still feel unsure, consider consulting a financial or investment advisor for personalized advice.
The content of this article is not, nor should it be, taken as financial advice. The content of this article is for educational purposes only. For personalized financial advice, please consult a financial or investment