When student loan payments start, and what to do now
Many federal student loans have a grace period of about six months after you graduate, leave school or drop below half-time; private loans set their own rules. Find your federal loans and servicer at StudentAid.gov and update your contact information. Pick a repayment plan that fits; options have been changing, so check StudentAid.gov. Set up autopay. If you can’t pay, call your servicer before missing payments. Never pay for help with federal loans.
Your checklist
- Know when your grace period ends
- Find loans and your servicer at StudentAid.gov
- Update your contact info
- Pick a repayment plan that fits
- Set up autopay
- Can’t pay? Call before you miss payments
Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.
When payments start
Many federal student loans have a grace period of about six months after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment. Some loans may build interest during the grace period. Private loans set their own rules; check your loan terms.
Find your loans
Log in at StudentAid.gov to see your federal loans, balances and servicer, the company that sends bills. Keep your contact information up to date with the servicer.
Choose a repayment plan
- Standard: fixed payments over a set period.
- Income-driven: payments based on your income and family size.
Federal repayment plan options have been changing, so use StudentAid.gov to see what’s available to you now.
Make it automatic
Autopay helps you avoid missed payments, and many servicers offer a small interest rate discount for it.
If you can’t pay
Contact your servicer before you miss payments. Ask about income-driven plans, deferment or forbearance. Federal loans that go unpaid for months can go into default, which can lead to wage garnishment and seized tax refunds.
Public service
If you work for government or a qualifying nonprofit, ask about Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Avoid scams
Never pay a company for help with federal loans. Your servicer and StudentAid.gov help for free.
Official sources, and where to look
- StudentAid.gov: repaymentstudentaid.gov
- CFPB: student loansconsumerfinance.gov
- FTC consumer advice: student loan scamsconsumer.ftc.gov
studentaid.gov loan simulatorwho is my student loan servicer
Common questions
Do private student loans have the same options?
No. Private lenders set their own rules, and federal income-driven plans and forgiveness don’t apply. Contact your lender if you’re struggling. More ›
Can I pay during the grace period?
Yes. Paying early, even just the interest, can lower what you owe over time. More ›
When do I have to start paying my student loans?
Many federal loans start after a grace period of about six months once you graduate, leave school or drop below half-time. Private loans vary. More ›
How do I find out who my student loan servicer is?
Log in at StudentAid.gov to see your federal loans and servicer. For private loans, check your loan paperwork or credit report. More ›
What is an income-driven repayment plan?
A federal plan that sets your monthly payment based on your income and family size. Available options have been changing; check StudentAid.gov. More ›
What happens if I don’t pay my student loans?
Late payments can hurt your credit. Federal loans unpaid for many months can go into default, leading to wage garnishment and seized tax refunds. More ›
Find student loan and financial counseling
Free help comes first; avoid paid “forgiveness” offers.
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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.