Financial Topics Archives

Aug

2025

What Happens When Someone Pays My Student Loans?

By Anna Davies | Fresh Out of School, Going to College, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off

Can you pay off someone else’s loan? As a general rule, yes — so if you’re a student loan borrower and someone offers you assistance in paying off your loans, you may want to take them up on it.

However, it’s important to understand the implications. While a parent, grandparent, or even a mysterious benefactor could pay off your student loans, they may be responsible for a gift tax if they contribute more than the annual limit. The gift could also come with emotional strings attached.

Read on to learn about the tax implications of paying off someone else’s student loans — and how to repay your loans if the responsibility is all yours.

Table of Contents

Student Loan Repayment
Can Parents Pay Off Their Child’s Student Loans?
How the Gift Tax Works
What Happens When Someone Pays Off Student Loans For You?
Other Options to Pay Off Student Loans
Refinancing Student Loans With SoFi

Key Points

• If someone pays off your student loans, they may face a gift tax if the amount exceeds the annual IRS exclusion limit.

• Employers can contribute to your student loans without it counting as taxable income, up to a certain amount per year.

• Payments made by parents or others directly to the loan servicer do not count as taxable income for the recipient.

• Gift tax implications apply if a single individual gifts more than $19,000 in one year, but actual tax liability may depend on lifetime gift amounts.

• Ways to pay off your student loans include student loan consolidation, student loan forgiveness, student loan refinancing, and income-driven repayment plans.

Student Loan Repayment

Repaying student loans is a significant financial commitment that requires careful planning and management. After graduation, most federal student loans enter a grace period, typically lasting six months, during which no payments are required. This grace period allows you to get settled into your post-graduation life and start preparing for regular monthly payments. Once the grace period ends, you will begin making payments according to the repayment plan you have chosen.

The standard repayment plan is a fixed monthly payment over 10 years, but there are several other options available to accommodate different financial situations, including income-driven repayment plans.

Common Repayment Scenarios Involving Third Parties

Third parties, such as family members, friends, or employers, can play a significant role in helping borrowers pay off their student loans.

For instance, parents or grandparents might choose to make payments directly to the loan servicer, or they could gift money to the borrower to be used for loan repayment.

Employers may offer student loan repayment assistance as part of their benefits package, contributing a set amount each month or year toward the borrower’s loans. Through CARES Act legislation, employers can contribute up to $5,250 per employee per year toward student loans without the payment counting toward the employee’s taxable income, through 2025.

While these third-party contributions can be a huge relief, it’s important for borrowers to communicate clearly with their servicers and ensure that payments are applied correctly to avoid any administrative issues.

Tax Implications of Employer Student Loan Assistance

Employer-provided student loan assistance can offer significant financial relief, but it also comes with potential tax implications. As of 2023, the first $5,250 of employer contributions toward an employee’s student loans is tax-free. Any amount above this threshold is considered taxable income and must be reported on the employee’s W-2 form. This means that the employee will owe income tax on the additional amount, which could affect their overall tax liability.

Can Parents Pay Off Their Child’s Student Loans?

Yes, they can. But can parents pay off student loans without a gift tax? It depends. If a parent is a cosigner, paying the student loans in full will not trigger a gift tax. In the mind of the IRS, the parent is not providing a gift but is paying off a debt.

However, if a parent is not a cosigner, a gift tax could be triggered, depending on how much they pay.

How the Gift Tax Works

The gift tax applies to the transfer of any type of property (including money), or the use of income from property, without expecting to receive something of at least equal value in return, the IRS says — adding that if you make an interest-free or reduced-interest loan, you may be making a gift.

There are some exceptions. Gifts between spouses aren’t included in the gift tax. That means if you are married and your spouse pays off your loans, that would not trigger a gift tax event.

Tuition paid directly to qualifying educational institutions in the United States or overseas is also not subject to gift tax, but student loans are different.

The annual exclusion for gifts is $19,000 in 2025. That means an individual can give you up to $19,000 without triggering the gift tax, which the givers, not receivers, generally pay. If your parents file taxes jointly, they would be able to give a combined $38,000 a year, which could include paying down loans. Borrowers who have the good fortune to snag $19,000 from mom, dad, granddad, and grandma could get a total of $76,000 without any family member having to file a gift tax return.

Recommended: How Do Student Loans Work?

Annual Gift Tax Exclusion and Limits

As stated, the annual gift tax exclusion for 2025 is $19,000. However, a gift of more than $19,000 towards your student loans doesn’t mean that your benefactor is on the hook for paying a tax on their gift.

The excess amount just gets added to the lifetime exclusion — currently set at $13.99 million. As long as the benefactor’s total lifetime gifts are below that amount, they don’t have to worry about paying a gift tax. Still, if bumping against that lifetime exclusion is a concern, they can spread out their support over the years to avoid gifting you more than $19,000 in a calendar year.

Filing Requirements for Gifts Over the Limit

When an individual gives a gift that exceeds the annual exclusion limit, they are required to file a gift tax return, Form 709, with the IRS.
If the total value of gifts given over the years, including the current gift, does not exceed this lifetime exemption of 13.99 million, no gift tax will be due. However, failing to file the required return can result in penalties and interest. Therefore, it’s essential for individuals who make large gifts to stay informed about these requirements and to consult with a tax professional to ensure compliance and manage their tax obligations effectively.

What Happens When Someone Pays Off Student Loans For You?

A person can pay off graduate and undergraduate student loans for you by either:

• Paying the lender directly

• Paying you, with the expectation you will pay the lender

But if someone pays off your debt, is that income? Once another person has paid off your student loans, it’s as if you had paid them off yourself. You would not have any tax liability.

Financial and Tax Consequences

When someone pays off a student loan on your behalf, the financial and tax consequences can vary. Financially, the immediate benefit is the reduction or elimination of your debt, which can build your credit score, free up cash flow, and reduce financial stress.

However, from a tax perspective, the situation is a bit more complex. If the payment is made by a family member or friend, it is generally considered a gift and is not taxable to you, provided it does not exceed the annual gift tax exclusion limit, which is $19,000 per recipient as of 2025. If the gift exceeds this limit, the giver may need to file a gift tax return, but this typically does not result in immediate tax for the recipient.

If the payment is made by an employer, up to $5,250 of the assistance is tax-free, but any amount above this threshold is considered taxable income to you and must be reported on your W-2.

Impact on Credit and Loan Balances

When someone pays off your student loan, the impact on your credit and loan balances is generally positive. Your loan balance will decrease or be completely eliminated, which can significantly improve your debt-to-income ratio and reduce your monthly financial obligations.

The timely payment of your student loan can have a positive effect on your credit score, as it demonstrates responsible debt management. However, it’s important to ensure that the lender reports the payment to the credit bureaus, as this will help reflect the positive change in your credit report.

Other Options to Pay Off Student Loans

Not everyone has a benefactor, of course. While someone taking your student loan balance down to zero can seem like a dream, there are realistic ways to ease the burden of student loans, no third party required.

The one thing that won’t help: if you stop paying your student loans. Ignoring your student loan payments will result in an increased balance, additional fees, and a lower credit score.

If you hold federal student loans and stop paying them, part of your wages could be garnished, and your tax refund could be withheld. If you default on a private student loan, the lender might file a suit to collect from you.

In other words, coming up with a repayment plan is crucial. Strategies to pay off undergraduate and graduate student loans include student loan consolidation, student loan refinancing, student loan forgiveness, and income-driven repayment plans.

Student Loan Consolidation

If you have federal student loans, you may consider consolidation, or combining multiple loans into one federal loan. The interest rate is the weighted average of all the loans’ rates, rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of a percentage point.

Federal student loan consolidation via a Direct Consolidation Loan can lower your monthly payment by giving you up to 30 years to repay your loans. It can also streamline payment processing.

Consolidating federal loans other than Direct Loans may give borrowers access to programs they might not otherwise be eligible for, including additional income-driven repayment plan options and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Student Loan Forgiveness

Student loan forgiveness is a program designed to alleviate the financial burden of student debt for eligible borrowers. These programs are often aimed at individuals who have pursued specific careers in public service, teaching, or other fields that benefit society. To qualify, borrowers typically need to meet certain criteria, such as making a set number of on-time payments and working in a qualifying job for a specified period. The most well-known program is the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which forgives the remaining balance of federal student loans after 120 qualifying payments.

Borrowers who take out loans on or after July 1, 2026 can still benefit from PSLF so long as they choose the RAP and not the standard repayment plan.

Another way students can get their loans forgiven is through a disability discharge. Disability discharge is a provision that allows borrowers with total and permanent disabilities to have their federal student loans forgiven. To qualify, borrowers must provide documentation from a physician or the Social Security Administration (SSA) confirming their disability status. Once approved, the borrower’s remaining loan balance is forgiven, and they are no longer responsible for making payments.

Student Loan Refinancing

With student loan refinancing, a borrower takes on one new, private student loan to pay off previous federal and/or private student loans. Ideally, the goal is a lower interest rate. The repayment term might also change.

However, refinancing federal loans means that borrowers will no longer be eligible for federal repayment plans, forgiveness programs, and other benefits. If a borrower needs access to those programs, student loan refinancing won’t make sense.

But for borrowers who have no plans to use the federal programs, a lower rate could make refinancing worthwhile. Using a student loan refinancing calculator can help a borrower see how much money they might save by refinancing one or all of their loans.

Recommended: Consolidate Student Loans vs Refinance

Income-Driven Repayment Plans

Income-driven repayment (IDR) plans are federal student loan repayment options designed to make monthly payments more affordable by basing them on a borrower’s income and family size. These plans typically cap your monthly payment at 5% to 20% of your discretionary income and extend the loan term to 20 or 25 years, depending on the specific plan.

Starting on July 1, 2026, income-driven repayment plans PAYE, ICR, and SAVE will be replaced by a new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP). The existing IDR plans will be eliminated by July 1, 2028. With RAP, payments range from 1% to 10% of adjusted gross income with terms up to 30 years. After the term is up, any remaining debt will be forgiven.

Refinancing Student Loans With SoFi

Even if your parents, grandparents, or others in your life are not in a position to pay off your student loans for you, understanding your options for potentially lowering your monthly payments or saving money over the life of a loan can give you multiple avenues to explore as you work toward taking control of your finances.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

FAQ

Can I pay off my child’s student loans?

Yes, you can pay off your child’s student loans. But, depending on the amount, there may be tax implications.

Is paying off a child’s student loans considered a gift?

Yes. Paying student loans for someone else is considered a gift and would incur a gift tax for any gift above $19,000, which is the gift exclusion cutoff for 2025. That means both parents can contribute $38,000 per calendar year toward their child’s student loans without owing gift tax.

Can I pay off my sibling’s student loans?

Yes. You can absolutely win sibling of the year and pay off your sibling’s student loans. Just know that any gift above $19,000 in 2025 will trigger a gift tax that you will be responsible for paying.

Do I owe taxes if someone else pays my student loans?

If someone else pays your student loans, the amount paid may be considered taxable income, especially if it exceeds the annual gift tax exclusion. However, if the payments are made directly to the lender, they are generally not taxable. Always consult a tax professional for specific advice.

Can paying off someone’s loans impact their eligibility for forgiveness programs?

Paying off someone’s loans can impact their eligibility for forgiveness programs, as these programs often require a specific amount of unpaid debt and a history of consistent payments. If the loans are fully paid off, the individual may no longer qualify for forgiveness. Consult the specific program’s rules for details.

Photo credit: iStock/Halfpoint

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
Terms and conditions apply. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FORFEIT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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SOSLR-Q325-035

Aug

2025

College Move-In Day for Parents

By Julia Califano | Going to College, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off

Attending college is a big milestone that both parents and students look forward to for many months.

While this is a highly anticipated event, college move-in day can also be a very stressful and emotional day for both students and parents. Attending a college that is out of state can be another nerve-wracking factor.

Moving can be challenging, especially if it’s hot or you have to climb up several sets of stairs. Fortunately, there are several things you can do ahead of time over the summer that can help ensure the day goes as smoothly as possible.

Table of Contents

Preparing for the Big Day
What to Expect on Move-In Day
Considering SoFi Private Student Loans

Key Points

• On college move-in day, it’s best to beat the crowds and find parking more easily by arriving early, giving you and your child more time to settle in and meet roommates.

• Bring only essential items to avoid clutter and make the move-in process smoother and less stressful.

• Maintain a positive and encouraging attitude to help your child feel confident and excited about their new college life.

• Introduce yourself to your child’s roommates and their families to foster a friendly and supportive living environment.

• After helping with move-in, trust your child to handle their new independence and encourage them to explore and engage with their new surroundings.

Preparing for the Big Day

Getting organized beforehand is one surefire way to prepare for the big move as a college freshman. Here are a few ideas to help you and your child get ready for move-in day.

Getting Familiar with Dorm Room Rules

Being prepared and learning what the college dorms allow students to bring can relieve some potential headaches. Colleges typically post a list of items that students can bring and ones that are prohibited in the residence halls.

Sticking to the basics is a good start since your child can buy more items from a local store or have it shipped to them at a later date.

Coordinating with Your Roommate

Recommend that your child contact their roommate over the summer and discuss their interests and what items each of them are bringing. This can be one way to help avoid bringing duplicates, especially for larger items like TVs or bean bags.

Another idea is to coordinate the time you are going to move in so you can assist each other during the process. This can also be helpful if the parents are interested in meeting each other.

Packing with Purpose

Packing for college can be a frustrating task, but one way to expedite the chore is to have your child label all the containers and boxes so you know what’s already packed and can easily find things once you arrive. If you have items that are more fragile, consider putting them into heavy plastic containers so they are less likely to be damaged during the move.

Also consider making a list of must-have items to limit the chance that something important is forgotten. For example, bedding, computer, school supplies, a first aid kit, and basic tool kit — which can be extremely useful on move-in day.

Consider the Climate

If your child is attending a college that is out of state or in a different climate, you may have to build out a more weather-appropriate wardrobe. For instance, if your child is moving to a college in the Midwest from Florida, you might buy and pack weatherproof boots, jackets, scarves, gloves, and other clothing suited for colder temperatures.

If they are attending college in a warmer climate, consider packing more t-shirts and shorts and leave some of the sweatshirts and wool sweaters at home.

Recommended: College Planning Guide for Parents

Planning Travel Arrangements

Once you’ve organized and packed all of your child’s belongings, it’s time to decide how you’ll get everything to campus. This will likely depend on factors like how far away the school is.

Consider renting an SUV or a moving van if the university is within driving distance and you own a smaller vehicle. If you plan on driving your own vehicle, pack the car strategically, so items you’ll need first (like cleaning supplies), are easily accessible when you arrive.

If you’re planning to fly to the college, another strategy may be to mail some of the belongings to the residence hall ahead of time, if it is permitted.

💡 Quick Tip: Parents and sponsors with strong credit and income may find much lower rates on no-fee private parent student loans than Federal Parent PLUS Loans. Federal PLUS Loans also come with an origination fee.

What to Expect on Move-In Day

Below are some ways to make college move-in day easier on you and your student.

Limit the Number of People

While going to college is exciting for your child and your family, consider limiting the number of people you bring with you on moving day.

Having too many people could actually slow down or complicate the process. Plus, it’s likely that many students and their parents will all be in the residence halls at the same time. Dorm rooms can be pretty small and having more people in the space could create more chaos and tension.

Instead, consider planning a visit when there is more flexibility. Many colleges have a family weekend in the fall. This could provide an opportunity for a longer, more relaxing and fun visit, especially if grandparents, aunts, and uncles also want to tag along.

Be Prepared for Hot Weather

Since many students move in during late summer, it can help to be prepared for heat (and humidity, depending on the local climate). It’s likely going to be hot, especially if the residential dorm does not have central air conditioning and only window units or getting to a top floor requires traipsing up and down several flights of stairs.

Consider bringing a fan to help circulate some air while you get everything settled.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

Doing all that heavy lifting is no easy task. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for the move and bring another outfit to change into later as you tour the campus or grab dinner with your child.

Bring Snacks

Bringing water and snacks is generally a good idea too, especially if you are moving furniture and other heavier items. Putting the drinks in a cooler will help keep them cold, especially if the room does not have a refrigerator. Make sure you have enough for the roommate and their parents.

Remember a Dolly

Determine whether the residence hall has a dolly or other items that you can borrow because they can help make the move easier. Signing up for those items early can help ensure that you can use them the day you move in. Otherwise, you can buy one from a local hardware store or split the costs with a roommate or another friend who is living in the same residence hall.

Students who have other friends who are also moving in during the same day might want to consider connecting beforehand so they can help each other move, especially bulky or heavier pieces of furniture.

Buy Some Items Later On

If your student lives near a grocery or drugstore, they can buy other items later on or they can have the items delivered to them. Many retailers offer free shipping and stores at college campuses often have special offers suited for students.

Move-in day can be emotional, for everyone involved. As hard as it is to say goodbye, try not to hang around too long — let your child adjust to their new surroundings, hang out with their new roommate, make new friends in their residence hall, and get ready for their first day as a freshman.

When we say no required fees we mean it.
No late fees, & insufficient fund
fees when you take out a student loan with SoFi.

Considering SoFi Private Student Loans

As you gear up for move-in day, you may have other concerns, including how you’re going to cover the cost of your child’s education. Financing your child’s education is a large responsibility and can be complicated. While there are some ways to prepare for college, like filling out the FAFSA to apply for federal aid, some families do not receive enough to pay for tuition and room and board entirely.

After exhausting federal aid options, you might want to explore private student loans. Just keep in mind that private student loans don’t offer the same protections, like government-sponsored forgiveness programs, that come with federal student loans.

The Takeaway

College move-in day is a significant milestone for both students and parents, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with excitement and challenges. From packing efficiently and arriving early to staying positive and knowing when to step back, each step plays a crucial role in setting the stage for a successful college experience.

When it comes to how to pay for college, students and parents can rely on cash savings, scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

FAQ

How can parents best help with college move-in day?

Parents can best help with college move-in day by arriving early, packing efficiently, staying positive, meeting roommates and their families, and knowing when to step back. This ensures a smooth transition and sets the stage for a successful college experience.

What is a crucial step for parents to take after helping their child move in?

A crucial step for parents after helping their child move in is to know when to step back and allow their child to begin their independent college life. This might involve saying goodbye and leaving the campus, trusting that they are ready for this new phase, and encouraging them to explore and engage with their new environment.

How can parents support their children emotionally during college move-in day?

Parents can support their children emotionally by staying positive, being encouraging, and acknowledging their feelings. It’s important to reassure them that it’s normal to feel nervous or excited and to remind them of the exciting opportunities and experiences that await them in college.

About the author

Julia Califano

Julia Califano is an award-winning journalist who covers banking, small business, personal loans, student loans, and other money issues for SoFi. She has over 20 years of experience writing about personal finance and lifestyle topics. Read full bio.

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SOISL-Q325-076

Aug

2025

What Is the Student Loan Default Rate?

By Pam O’Brien | Debt Payoff, Fresh Out of School, Student Loans, student_loan | No Comments

Table of Contents

The History and Importance of the Default Rate
What Is the Average Student Loan Default Period?
The Difference Between Defaulting on a Loan and Being Delinquent
What Options are Available to Make My Loans More Affordable?

The average student loan borrower takes out $29,300 to pay for college, according to the College Board. At any given time, more than 6% of these student loans are in default, and within the first three years of repayment, 10.3% of borrowers will enter default.

Federal student loan default occurs when a borrower fails to make payments on their student loans for 270 days. This can lead to serious consequences, including wage garnishment, loss of eligibility for federal financial aid, and damage to credit scores.

Keep reading to learn more on student loan default, including the history and importance of the default rate, the average student loan default period, how to make your loans more affordable so you can avoid default, and more.

Key Points

• The student loan default rate measures the percentage of borrowers who fail to make payments for 270 days or more.

• As of recent data, the overall federal student loan default rate is around 6%, but it varies significantly by school type and borrower demographics.

• Community colleges and for-profit institutions have higher default rates compared to public and private nonprofit colleges.

• Defaulting can have severe financial consequences, including damaged credit, wage garnishment, and loss of eligibility for federal aid.

• Ways to prevent student loan default include deferment, forbearance, income-driven repayment plans, and refinancing your student loans.

The History and Importance of the Default Rate

What’s known as the three-year default rate is a highly watched number because it’s the figure the U.S. Department of Education uses to determine if colleges and universities qualify to receive federal student aid. If a school’s default rate exceeds a certain benchmark three years in a row, it could lose eligibility for Title IV funding.

The student loan default rates have generally trended down over the last two decades. In March 2020, the Department of Education paused collections on most student loans in default. It also offered a Fresh Start program that allowed borrowers to easily get their loans out of default and back into good standing. As of October 2, 2024, the Fresh Start program has ended.

What Is the Average Student Loan Default Period?

The average student loan default period refers to the typical length of time it takes for a delinquent federal student loan to be classified as “in default.” For most federal loans, this period is 270 consecutive days — about nine months — of missed payments.

The federal government focuses on the three-year student loan default rate. Education Data Initiative finds that 10.3% of borrowers default within the first three years of when their repayment starts.

Students who were enrolled in private, for-profit colleges are the most likely to have student loans in default, data shows. In fact, within the first 12 years of repayment, more than 50% of those loans end up in default.

Don’t let your loans go into default.
See how student loan refinancing can help.

The Difference Between Defaulting on a Loan and Being Delinquent

Borrowers participating in the Federal Direct Loan program or the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program are considered in default if they miss nine months or 270 days of payments. Borrowers can face a number of serious consequences if they default on a loan, including losing the opportunity to defer payments or choose a repayment plan.

It may also damage your credit, and your tax refunds may be withheld and applied to what you owe on your loans. The government could even garnish a portion of your wages to apply to your loan. Finally, your loan holder can sue you, and if that’s the case, you may be responsible for the court fees.

With a delinquency, you still have time to start making payments again and restore your relationship with your lender. You’re considered delinquent on federal student loans the day after you miss your first payment, and you’ll remain delinquent until you resume payments and make up the past due amount.

If it’s been 90 days since your last payment, the lender can report you to credit agencies, and those missed loan payments can go on your credit report, which can affect your ability to borrow in the future. With a bad credit report, you may have trouble getting credit cards, home loans, and even arranging for utilities or homeowner’s insurance.

What Options are Available to Make My Loans More Affordable?

To avoid becoming part of the student loan default rates, it’s important to take action. If you are delinquent on your student loans or think you may be heading that way, you can seek deferment or forbearance, which is a federal benefit to stop making payments for a period of time. However, interest may still accrue. You could also choose a federal income-based repayment program that bases your monthly payment on your income and family size.

Refinance Your Student Loans

Another option is to refinance your student loans with a private lender. With student loan refinancing, you may be able to get a lower interest rate or more favorable terms to help reduce your monthly payments. (Note: You may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance with an extended term.)

Want to see how much you might save? You can use a student loan refinance calculator to see if refinancing makes sense to you.

Keep in mind that if you need access to federal protections and programs, such as income-driven repayment programs, refinancing federal student loans likely wouldn’t make sense for you. That’s because when you refinance federal loans, they become ineligible for these special benefits.

The Takeaway

The student loan default rate is a critical indicator of financial distress among borrowers, with significant variations based on school type and demographic factors. Understanding the risks and exploring preventive measures like deferment, forbearance, income-driven repayment plans, and student loan refinancing can help borrowers avoid the severe consequences of default.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

FAQ

What is the overall federal student loan default rate?

As of recent data, the overall federal student loan default rate is around 10%, though it can vary significantly depending on the type of school and borrower demographics.

How can you prevent student loan default?

To prevent student loan default, explore options like deferment, forbearance, and income-driven repayment plans. You can also look into refinancing your student loans for a better rate or terms, which may help reduce your monthly payment and prevent default.

What are the consequences of defaulting on student loans?

Defaulting on student loans can lead to damaged credit, wage garnishment, and loss of eligibility for federal financial aid.

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SOSLR-Q325-032

Aug

2025

Stock Market Fluctuations Explained

By Pam O’Brien | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | No Comments

Table of Contents

Top Causes of Stock Market Fluctuations
Pros and Cons of Market Fluctuations
Volatility Means the Stock Market Is Working
What Is a Normal Amount of Stock Market Fluctuation?
What Does Stock Market Volatility Mean to You As an Investor?
FAQ

The stock market can go up or down based on a number of different factors, including consumer confidence, worries about inflation, and supply and demand. As an investor, it’s important to understand market fluctuation and how it works, and to know how much fluctuation is normal.

Why do stocks fluctuate? Read on to learn more about market volatility and stock fluctuation.

Key Points

• Stock market fluctuations are generally driven by supply and demand, inflation, economic indicators, and company performance.

• Annual stock market fluctuations are common, and vary year to year.

• Market volatility may present opportunities to buy stocks at lower prices, but its possible prices could continue to decline.

• Diversifying assets may help reduce risk during volatile market conditions.

• Historical data shows 12 S&P 500 drops over 20% since World War II.

Top Causes of Stock Market Fluctuations

The stock market fluctuation definition is when stock prices rise or fall. So what causes this? The stock market can move up and down due to a variety of factors, including:

Supply and Demand

The prices of stocks depend on supply and demand. Supply is how much of a good — in this case, a share of stock — is available for sale. Demand is how much consumers want to buy that stock. Prices rise when the supply of shares of stock for sale is not enough to meet investors’ demands. When investors demand for shares falls, so does the price of the shares.

Overall, the stock market fluctuates because investors are buying and selling stocks in such a way, and in such volume, that stock prices make a large move in one direction or another.

Inflation

Concerns about inflation may cause investors to become bearish and stop buying stocks, which may make the market go down. That’s because during periods of inflation, consumer spending tends to slow, and corporate profits may suffer. Inflation can inject uncertainty and volatility into the market.

Economic Indicators

Economic indicators are data that analysts use to help judge the health of the economy. These indicators can, in turn, affect stock market fluctuation. They typically include such things as the Consumer Price Index, unemployment numbers, interest rates, and home sales. If prices, interest rates, and unemployment rise, chances are good that there may be stock fluctuation.

Company Performance

How well a company is doing can affect the price of its stock and potentially cause market fluctuations. If the company is expanding its operations and reporting a profit, for instance, investors’ demand for the stock may rise, along with the price of the stock. Conversely, if there are concerns about the company’s financial health, or it reports a loss, demand for the stock may drop, and so generally will the price.

Pros and Cons of Market Fluctuations

There are benefits and drawbacks to market fluctuations, and that may be particularly true for short-term traders to use volatility as an opportunity to generate returns. These are some of the advantages and disadvantages to consider when the market becomes volatile.

Market Fluctuations
Pros	Cons
May be able to purchase stocks at lower prices	Could lose money by selling stocks at a loss
Opportunity to diversify assets	Holdings could lose value

Pros of Market Fluctuations

Market fluctuations may be a good thing for some investors, in some instances.

• Chance to purchase shares at lower prices. When stock prices go down, it may be a good opportunity for investors to buy shares for less. Investing in a down market could be beneficial.

• Incentive to diversify your assets. When the market is volatile, it’s a prime time to look over your asset allocation and make any prudent changes. For instance, you may want to reduce some of your holdings in riskier assets and move them over to safer investments in case the market drops.

Cons of Market Fluctuations

Market fluctuations also have downsides including a potentially higher risk of seeing losses.

• Might end up selling stocks at a loss. Instead of panicking, selling your shares, and losing money, you may be better off waiting out the fluctuations if you can. When the market goes back up, you may be able to recoup what you paid for the stock.

• Holdings could lose value. Naturally, market fluctuations and volatility often mean that holdings lose value, and that may not be something that all investors can stomach.

Volatility Means the Stock Market Is Working

Although it’s difficult to watch the value of your portfolio drop, stock market volatility is a normal part of stock market investing. In fact, volatility is natural, and it shows that the stock market is working as it should.

Here’s why: The more investors weigh in — by actively buying and selling stocks — the more accurate the prices of stocks will ultimately be. Essentially, it’s a weighing of information about the “correct” price of a stock from many different investors.

It’s also helpful to remember that volatility doesn’t just relate to rising stock prices — it also refers to falling stock prices. When the stock market makes a surge upward, that is also considered stock market fluctuation.

What Is a Normal Amount of Stock Market Fluctuation?

Almost any amount of market fluctuation is possible.

The best guide for understanding what is normal (and what is not) is to look at what has happened in the past. While past performance is never a guarantee of future financial success, it’s helpful to look at the data.

The most commonly cited pool of data is the S&P 500. The S&P 500 can give a good historical gauge of stock market movement.

Since World War II — the “modern” stock market era, the S&P 500 has seen a dozen or so drops in the stock market of over 20%.

Peak (Start)	Return
May 29, 1946	-30%
August 2, 1956	-22%
December 12, 1961	-28%
February 9, 1966	-22%
November 29, 1968	-36%
January 11, 1973	-48%
November 28, 1980	-27%
August 25, 1987	-34%
July 16, 1990	-20%
March 27, 2000	-49%
October 9, 2007	-57%
February 19, 2020	33.93%
December 31, 2021	-28.5%

Source: Morningstar

You’ll notice that a big drop in the stock market happens somewhat regularly. And smaller fluctuations of 5% or 10% down happen much more frequently than that.

💡 Quick Tip: When you’re actively investing in stocks, it’s important to ask what types of fees you might have to pay. For example, brokers may charge a flat fee for trading stocks, or require some commission for every trade. Taking the time to manage investment costs can be beneficial over the long term.

What Does Stock Market Volatility Mean to You As an Investor?

How you deal with volatility as an investor depends on your tolerance for risk. What to know about risk is that if you can’t afford losses, volatility could be a time of fear and uncertainty for you. But if you have a higher tolerance for risk, you may see volatility as a potential opportunity.

Risk Tolerance in Investing

Risk tolerance is the amount of risk you’re willing to take with investments. Volatility in the market could directly affect your risk tolerance. For instance, if you have a higher risk tolerance, you may be willing to risk money for the possibility of high returns. If you have a lower risk tolerance, you’ll likely be looking for safer investments with more of a guaranteed return.

Your age, your financial goals, and the amount of money you have impact your risk tolerance. If you’re saving for retirement, and nearing retirement age, your risk tolerance will be lower. In this case, you’ll want to practice risk management with safer investments. If you’re in your 20s or 30s, however, you may have higher risk tolerance because you have more years to recoup any money you may lose.

The Takeaway

Choosing the right investment strategy depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and your personal situation. Every investor needs to manage their portfolio in a way that fits their needs during periods of market volatility and as well during times of stability.

Invest in what matters most to you with SoFi Active Invest. In a self-directed account provided by SoFi Securities, you can trade stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, options, and more — all while paying $0 commission on every trade. Other fees may apply. Whether you want to trade after-hours or manage your portfolio using real-time stock insights and analyst ratings, you can invest your way in SoFi's easy-to-use mobile app.

Opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.¹

FAQ

Why does the stock market fluctuate?

The stock market fluctuates for a number of different reasons, but the biggest overall factor is supply and demand. Prices of stocks rise when the supply of shares for sale is not enough to meet investors’ demands. When investors’ demand for shares falls, so does the price of the shares. This causes volatility.

What is the average market fluctuation?

Markets fluctuate fairly frequently. While the market, on average, returns around 10% annually, that can and does fluctuate year to year.

How long do market fluctuations last?

How long market fluctuations last depends on the reason for the fluctuations and how big the fluctuations are. Remember, it’s normal to have some periods of volatility in the stock market. Diversifying your portfolio may help you manage risk and stay on track with your investment goals during times of uncertainty.

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

S&P 500 Index: The S&P 500 Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 leading publicly traded companies in the U.S. It is not an investment product, but a measure of U.S. equity performance. Historical performance of the S&P 500 Index does not guarantee similar results in the future. The historical return of the S&P 500 Index shown does not include the reinvestment of dividends or account for investment fees, expenses, or taxes, which would reduce actual returns.
Investment Risk: Diversification can help reduce some investment risk. It cannot guarantee profit, or fully protect in a down market.

¹Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 45 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify. Probability percentage is subject to decrease. See full terms and conditions.
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SOIN-Q325-003

Aug

2025

The Ultimate Guide to Studying in College

By Julia Califano | Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off

Table of Contents

Get Enough Sleep
Feed Your Brain
Get a Study Partner
Find a Quiet Space
Put on Some Focus Music
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Get Organized
Shut Out Distractions
Put Together a Study Schedule
Take Breaks
Here’s to Hitting the Books

One way to help ensure you thrive in college is a no-brainer: to study. You may find, however, that your high school study habits aren’t highly effective in college, where the work load tends to be higher, teachers are less personally involved, classes are larger, and exams are tougher. On top of that, college life is full of distractions.

That doesn’t mean you won’t succeed in your college classes. You may, however, need to kick it up a notch. What follows are some of the best study strategies for college classes.

Key Points

• College requires effective study strategies due to increased workload and distractions compared to high school, emphasizing the need for improved habits.

• Prioritizing adequate sleep and nutritious food significantly enhances focus and overall health, which are crucial for academic success.

• Establishing a study schedule, organizing materials, and finding quiet study spaces help create a conducive learning environment for optimal concentration.

• Collaborating with a study partner can increase accountability and motivation, while taking regular breaks prevents burnout and maintains productivity.

• Implementing techniques to minimize distractions, such as logging out of social media and using focus music, can greatly improve study sessions.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is critical to a well-functioning brain and body. If you get enough sleep, you will generally find it easier to focus and feel healthier overall. Young people ages 18 to 25 need seven to nine hours of sleep a night, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, try to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, make sure your bed is comfortable, and avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol, especially in the evening. Also helpful: Doing some yoga or meditating before bed, using ear plugs if your dorm is noisy, and using room-darkening shades on your windows.

Feed Your Brain

Some foods, like candy and greasy dining hall pizza and french fries can make you feel good in the moment but may cause you to crash later or give you a stomachache. Instead, you’ll want to aim to eat nutritious foods that will power your brain.

Some of the best brain foods include fatty fish that contain omega 3s, dark chocolate, blueberries, pumpkin seeds, nuts, eggs, oranges, and green tea.

Drinking water and tea instead of soda and sugary fruit juices is also a good idea.

Get a Study Partner

It can be a good plan to make friends with a good study partner who can hold you accountable as well as keep you focused.

If you have a tough time sitting down and focusing on your studies on your own, you may find that learning with a study partner will force you to stick to a study schedule and may also help ensure that the information actually sticks.

Find a Quiet Space

Many people are unable to concentrate when they’re in a noisy environment. Unfortunately, a college dorm room can be loud because it’s where social gatherings often take place. Plus, there are so many students crammed into one area, nobody has any personal space. That’s why it can be a good idea to hunt for a quiet study space.

Quiet spaces on campus could include a library, where students might be able to reserve a private room; a secluded place outside; the campus cafe when it’s not busy; or an empty classroom.

If you have a car, you can drive off campus to a park, uncrowded eatery, or public library.

Put on Some Focus Music

Listening to music can be one of the best study tips for some college students. As long as the music isn’t distracting, you might find it helpful to pop in your earbuds when you study. Generally, the best types of music for focusing on work include nature sounds, songs without lyrics, songs played at medium volume, and songs with a specific tempo.

You might also like listening to your favorite upbeat bands that make you excited, as it may help you study and get your work done faster.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Practitioners of the fine art of procrastination often pay a price.

Procrastination can lead to bad grades, higher levels of stress, and negative feelings. Procrastinators are likely to not have a great study session because they are rushed.

To stop postponing the inevitable, you might want to put reminders on your phone that tell you when to study and when your assignments are due. A study partner can also help put feet to the fire.

If you procrastinate over and over again, perhaps it’s a sign that you are not interested in your studies and may want to pursue a different major.

Get Organized

If your papers are scattered everywhere, you won’t know where your important books or files are, or you may forget when your tests are scheduled.

If you could benefit from better organization, you might want to set up a Google Calendar and put every test, class, and appointment in there. You can also set reminders that will show up on your computer or phone when you need to study.

You could also clean your room at least once a week, filing papers in folders, putting books in a neat pile, and storing backpacks, clothes, and other items in closets. You might also want to purchase storage systems from places like IKEA and the Container Store so you have a place for everything.

In addition, it can help to create ongoing to-do lists and check off each task as you complete it. The night before you go to class or have to take a test, you can organize your backpack and put everything you need into it instead of rushing the morning of the test.

Shut Out Distractions

The noise in a dorm room or on a college campus can be distracting. Social media, text messages, and emails also take focus away from studying.

To buckle down, you may want to log out of social media and email and put your phone on do not disturb, only allowing emergency contacts to reach you.

If you are addicted to your phone or social media, you might want to install an app that turns off distractions and tracks how much time you’re spending on their phone.

Put Together a Study Schedule

Studying isn’t just going to happen. That’s why one of the most important study tips is to put together a study schedule that is realistic, while still having time to get involved on campus and have a social life.

For instance, if you like to go to bed at 2am, you can’t plan to study at 6am the day you have a test because you’ll be exhausted. Instead, you can plan to study the evening before the test.

You may also want to schedule a time when you can find a quiet place to study or when your dorm room is going to be less noisy. You will likely not be able to concentrate on a Friday or Saturday night in your dorm because of surrounding shenanigans. You could block out time on a calendar when the dorm is quieter and make sure you stick to it.

Take Breaks

Studying for hours without a break could lead to burnout. Instead, pause to walk around, get some fresh air, or grab a glass of water or a healthy snack.

Some research suggests that the most productive people focus on intense work for 52 minutes and then take a 17-minute break.

You don’t have to follow the rule of 52 and 17 to a T; instead, you might get up every 20 minutes or so, or at least once an hour, whenever you start to feel you’re losing focus or your body is cramping.

If you are studying by looking at a computer screen, you can shut off the screen and phone and look at something else during that break. Looking at a screen for too long can hurt your eyes and have a negative effect on focus.

Here’s to Hitting the Books

You might have to try different techniques, and most of them will require practice, but once you hit a groove, you should be well on your way to getting good grades — a stepping stone to a fulfilling career.

You may also find it easier to focus on your studies if you’re not worried about paying all of the costs associated with college. There are a variety of ways to cover your college tuition and expenses, including financial aid.

Federal student loans are one option, as are private student loans. Some students will find that a combination of these two funding sources helps them afford their educatiol costs.

Recommended: Private vs Federal Student Loans

The Takeaway

Studying is a key part of college, and good habits can help you thrive. These include healthy sleep and eating habits, having a study buddy, knowing when and where to study, and other strategies. Another key part of college is financing your education, which can involve scholarships, grants, and student loans, whether federal, private, or both.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

FAQ

What is the most effective way to study in college?

One of the most effective study strategies can be to have a study partner to help you stay accountable and hit your marks with studying. Other tactics include finding quiet times and places to study, getting enough sleep and healthy nutrition, and avoiding procrastination.

How many hours a day should you study in college?

In general, the amount of time a college student spends studying will vary greatly by student, the school they are attending, and the courses they are taking. One rule of thumb is that a student must study 2-3 hours weekly beyond class time for every credit hour. That would equal 24-36 hours weekly for a 12-credit hour course, which means about 5-6 hours daily, depending on whether you study every day or six days per week.

What is the hardest year in college?

Often, junior year is the most challenging year of college. This is because students typically face increasingly difficult coursework and start planning for post-grad life, which can involve applying for internships and researching graduate programs and career opportunities.

About the author

Julia Califano

SOISL-Q325-092

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Stock Market Fluctuations Explained

Top Causes of Stock Market Fluctuations

Supply and Demand

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Economic Indicators

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Pros and Cons of Market Fluctuations

Pros of Market Fluctuations

Cons of Market Fluctuations

Volatility Means the Stock Market Is Working

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The Takeaway

FAQ

Why does the stock market fluctuate?

What is the average market fluctuation?

How long do market fluctuations last?

The Ultimate Guide to Studying in College

Get Enough Sleep

Feed Your Brain

Get a Study Partner

Find a Quiet Space

Put on Some Focus Music

When we say no required fees we mean it.
No late fees, & insufficient fund
fees when you take out a student loan with SoFi.

Don’t let your loans go into default.
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