Aug
27
2025
woman holding books

Understanding Lower Division Vs. Upper Division Courses

By | Going to College, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off on Understanding Lower Division Vs. Upper Division Courses

Declaring a major in college is a big decision, but the choices don’t stop there. Once students know their area of study, then comes the selection of courses. And, generally, you can’t just sign up for classes willy-nilly. Students typically need to start at one point before they can progress to another. This is where upper and lower division courses come into play.

Like levels in a video game, students have to start with beginner lessons before they can take on advanced challenges. Here’s a closer look at what lower division and upper division courses are and how they differ.

Key Points

•   Lower-division courses are introductory classes that cover foundational concepts and are typically taken by freshmen and sophomores.

•   Upper-division courses are more advanced, focusing on specialized topics within a major, and are usually taken by juniors and seniors.

•   Lower-division classes tend to have larger lecture formats with structured syllabi, while upper-division classes often involve smaller, discussion-based settings.

•   Many colleges use a numbering system to distinguish lower- and upper-division courses, with lower-division courses typically numbered below 100 or 200.

•   Completing prerequisites in lower-division courses is usually required before enrolling in upper-division coursework.

Types of Courses Students Can Take

When signing up for your first semester of college classes, you might notice that there are many more offerings than you had in high school.

In addition, core classes are different, and requirements will vary based on a student’s course of study.

While a college student can take everything from astronomy to architecture, here’s how courses are typically designated:

•   Lower division

•   Upper division

•   Major courses

•   Minor courses

•   General education courses


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Degree Requirements

Every college major will have different courses, electives, and requirements that are necessary for graduating.

In addition to core requirements, students might need to take general education (gen ed) courses. These courses are required for all students, no matter their area of study. (Some will “CLEP out of” some or all gen ed courses. The College-Level Examination Program® offers 34 exams that cover intro-level college course material. Others might pass AP or International Baccalaureate exams to get college credit.)

Students won’t get to graduate just by taking classes for four years. They’ll need to meet the requirements of the major (and minor, if applicable) they’ve selected.

Each course has a number of credits, and students usually will need to accumulate a certain number of credits to qualify for their degree.

Degree requirements will vary based on what a student studies, but each will come with a mix of lower-division and upper-division courses to round out the educational experience.

Recommended: Harvard University Cost

What Is a Lower Division Course?

Lower-division courses are the building blocks of an undergraduate’s major. College freshmen might have restrictions in the courses they can enroll in.

Unless they bring in AP, IB, or college credits, they’ll need to take (and pass) lower- division courses in their major before being able to sign up for upper-division courses.

In general, here’s what students can expect in lower-division classes :

•   Introductory material Typically, lower-division courses teach the building blocks of concepts that students will use more down the line. For example, a biology major might start the course requirements with a lower-division Introduction to Biology lecture before moving on to more challenging material.

•   Younger students Generally, students will find more freshmen and sophomores in their lower-division courses.

•   A larger class Depending on the size of the school, lower-division classes are often larger because they may cover a broad swath of material that applies to multiple majors and areas of study. A lower-division class might even have more than one section a semester because so many students need to take it. In these larger lectures, participation might be limited, and attendance might not even count toward a grade.

•   A stricter structure Students might find that lower-division courses stick to the book (or syllabus). Each class, a professor will typically cover exactly what was detailed in the syllabus — nothing more, nothing less. Similarly, test questions might come straight out of lecture notes or assigned readings. Often this is done to ensure that students know the basics by heart before moving on to more challenging courses in their major.

•   Evaluation by test Due in part to their larger class sizes and structure, students can often expect multiple-choice tests in lower-division courses.

Of course, every college’s policies on classes are different, but for the most part, students can expect to take lower-division courses as they begin their academic career.

Lower-division courses may be required by a major or minor, or they might be a general education course all students are asked to take.

Recommended: Purdue University Cost

What Is an Upper-Division Course?

If lower-division courses are the foundation an education is built on, upper-division courses are the structure on top.

Lower-division courses sometimes count as prerequisites for upper-division classes. That means an undergraduate must take, and pass, a lower-division class before enrolling in an upper-division course.

Here’s what a student might experience in an upper division-course:

•   In-depth curriculum Upper-division classes are often a deeper dive into areas of study or cover more complex topics. Once students master a lower-division class, they’ll be challenged with harder concepts in an upper-division class. Upper-division classes are more likely to have words like “advanced” in the title.

•   Older students Third- and fourth-year students are more likely to be in these courses, typically because they’ve taken the prerequisites.

•   Smaller classes Whereas lower-division classes may be large lectures, upper-division classes start to get smaller, in part because the curriculum is more specialized. The deeper a student gets into a major, the more in-depth classes become.

•   A fluid structure Upper-division courses likely have a syllabus and required reading, but the day-to-day structure of the class may be less lecture-focused. In fact, some classes are seminars where students are encouraged to contribute ideas in a discussion format, often resulting in a participation grade.

•   Varied evaluations Depending on the class focus, testing may look different than that of a lower-division course. Students may be asked to write in-depth research papers or create large presentations to show their learning. If tests are in use, they might rely less on multiple-choice questions.

Since upper-division courses include more complex teachings, professors might expect students to show what they’ve learned in a more complex way. That might mean essays to prove an argument, or demonstration of critical thinking skills that don’t rely purely on lecture notes or readings.

Recommended: The Ultimate Guide to Studying in College

Numbering Systems for Division Courses

A simple way to tell if a class is a lower- or upper- division course is using a school’s numbering system for classes.

Most college courses will have a three- to five-digit number. The number is unique to the course, and can help students know what they’re getting into before they sign up in terms of difficulty.

While numerical systems will change from college to college, they might follow these general formulas:

•   1-199 At UCLA, for example, all undergraduate courses are assigned a number between 1 and 199. Any class with a number between 1 and 99 is a lower-division course, and any class with a number between 100 and 199 is an upper-division class.

•   100-499 Other schools, like the University of Arizona, might start the numbering higher. All lower-division classes are numbered from 100 to 299. Anything 300 to 399 is an upper-division course. The University of Massachusetts uses a slightly different system, where every 100 is a different year of school (100s are for freshmen, 200s for sophomores, etc.).

The numerical system for a college course probably won’t help students compare classes across different universities, but it can be a useful guide in plotting academic schedules within one school and major.


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Finding a Way to Pay

Figuring out how to pay for college can feel like an upper-division course in and of itself. After completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), you may find that you are eligible for grants, scholarships, and subsidized or unsubsidized student loans. However, you may still fall short of all the funding you need.

That’s where private student loans can come in. These loans are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms will vary depending on the lender. Some students may need a cosigner to qualify for private student loans due to a lack of credit history and income.

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

What is the difference between upper and lower division courses?

Lower-division courses are typically introductory classes taken in the first two years of college. They cover general education and foundational subjects, building the skills needed for more advanced study. Upper-division courses, usually numbers 300-400, are taken in the junior and senior years. These classes go deeper into a student’s major, focusing on specialized topics, critical thinking, and research.

Are upper division classes harder?

Upper-division classes are generally considered more challenging than lower-division courses because they expect students to apply foundational knowledge, analyze complex topics, and engage in advanced discussions or projects. Instead of broad overviews, these classes often focus on specialized subjects within a major. However, whether they feel “harder” depends on the student’s preparation, interest, and study habits. Many find upper-division courses more engaging since they align closely with their career goal and academic interests.

What is the difference between 100 vs 200 vs 300 vs 400 level courses?

Course numbering often indicates difficulty and progression. Generally, 100-level courses are usually introductory, covering basic concepts for freshmen; 200-level courses may still be broad but require some prior knowledge, usually for sophomores; 300-level courses are upper division, often focusing on advanced, specialized topics for juniors; 400-level courses are typically the most advanced undergraduate classes, sometimes involving research, capstone projects, or preparation for graduate-level work.

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SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.

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Aug
27
2025
arm of police officer

Law Enforcement Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

By | Debt Payoff, Fresh Out of School, Student Loans, student_loan | No Comments

Considering a career in law enforcement? Besides the satisfaction of serving the public good, one benefit of doing so may be the opportunity to take advantage of the student loan forgiveness program for police officers.

Key Points

•   Law enforcement officers may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) which forgives remaining Direct Loan balances after 120 qualifying payments.

•   Eligibility for PSLF requires employment with a government or non-profit organization, which includes various law enforcement agencies.

•   Perkins Loans may also be forgiven for law enforcement personnel, with up to 100% cancellation possible after five years of qualified service.

•   Loan refinancing options are available for law enforcement officials who do not qualify for forgiveness programs.

•   Employment certification forms are necessary to confirm eligibility for PSLF benefits within law enforcement roles.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness for Law Enforcement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness may offer loan forgiveness of Direct Loans for police officers and other government employees. The program started in 2007 and offers federal student loan forgiveness for borrowers who work full-time in the public service sector and make 120 qualifying on-time payments.

This means that if you’re a police officer who works for the government (most police officers are considered government workers) and successfully makes 10 years of qualifying payments, you may be eligible to have the remainder of your debt wiped out entirely.

Of course, this option is not available to everyone; you must work for a qualifying employer to earn forgiveness. Generally, government organizations may be considered qualifying employers under PSLF, which means that if you work for tribal, city, county, state, or federal law enforcement, you may qualify.

And because Public Service Loan Forgiveness is not just limited to police officers, other staff at these agencies may qualify as well—even if they’re not on the frontlines. (Note that detention officers who work at for-profit prisons are not eligible because they work for a private company and not the government or nonprofit.)

To be sure that your job is considered public service under the PSLF program, you can use the PSLF Help Tool. This tool is used to confirm that your current job qualifies for PSLF benefits.


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Public Service Loan Forgiveness Requirements

In addition to restrictions on the type of employment that is eligible for PSLF, there are other criteria you must meet in order to take advantage of this student loan forgiveness for police officers.

First, your student loans must be Direct Loans, borrowed from the federal government. Private student loans are not eligible for loan forgiveness under PSLF.

Additionally, you may be required to consolidate your federal student loans before you qualify for PSLF. Consolidation is a process by which you combine all of your federal student loans, such as Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, or PLUS Loans, into one new loan.

Further, you must work full-time in order to qualify for PSLF. That means that in addition to working for a qualified employer, you also need to be employed full-time, which is generally 30 hours or more per week.

There is one exception to this requirement, however: If you work part-time for two different qualifying employers and you work more than thirty hours per week between the two jobs, you may still qualify for PSLF.

Finally, in order to take advantage of the PSLF for law enforcement, you must make 120 qualifying student loan payments on an income-driven repayment plan. That means that even if you’re working full-time for a qualified employer and plan to take advantage of PSLF, you are still responsible for paying back your student loans for 10 years.

PSLF only forgives the amount of your student loan remaining after the 10 years of qualifying payments. And if you miss a month or are more than 15 days late in making your payment, it won’t count towards your 120 total. That means you could end up making more than 120 payments before the government clears your loans for loan forgiveness.

Perkins Loan Forgiveness for Police Officers

Perkins Loans, which were offered until September 2017, may also be eligible for cancellation. Perkins Loans were administered and distributed by your college, which often means that borrowers end up paying one student loan payment to the federal government and one to their alma mater. Under the Perkins Loan program , certain employment such as law enforcement and teaching may qualify for a full or partial Perkins Loan cancellation.

To qualify for forgiveness of your Perkins Loans, you must be employed full-time as a law-enforcement officer or in another qualifying position. If you qualify for Perkins Loan forgiveness, a certain percentage of your loans will be forgiven each year of full-time qualifying employment as follows:

Year 1: Forgiveness of 15% of your loan.

Year 2: Forgiveness of 15% of your loan.

Year 3: Forgiveness of 20% of your loan.

Year 4: Forgiveness of 20% of your loan.

Year 5: Forgiveness of 30% of your loan.

That’s right, after five years of qualifying employment, you could be eligible to get up to 100% of your Perkins Loan forgiven if you’re a law enforcement officer. On top of that, you may not have to pay your Perkins Loans while you hold a qualifying job, which can mean you might end up never paying back a penny of your Perkins loan.

Because colleges independently disbursed Perkins Loans, each school also runs its own forgiveness program. To see if you qualify, reach out to your school’s billing department.

Perkins loans may also be eligible for PSLF if you consolidate them. However, consolidating your Perkins loans will render them ineligible for the Perkins loan cancellation options described above.

Income-Driven Repayment Plan Forgiveness

Another option for student loan forgiveness comes from income-driven repayment plans. If you still owe a balance after 20 or 25 years on the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan, the remainder will be forgiven.

Two other plans, PAYE and Income-Contingent Repayment, no longer end in loan forgiveness. However, you can get credit for the payments you’ve made on these plans if you switch to IBR.

Starting in the summer of 2026, there will be a new income-driven repayment plan called Repayment Assistance Plan. This plan will offer loan forgiveness after 30 years of payments.

Unlike with PSLF, you may have to pay taxes on student loan forgiveness you receive from an income-driven repayment plan.

Loan Refinancing for Law Enforcement Officials

For law enforcement officials who don’t qualify for PSLF, student loan refinancing may be able to help you lower the cost of your student loan repayment. This involves taking out a new, private loan to pay off your existing loans, which can include federal and private loans. However, keep in mind that if you refinance federal student loans, you permanently forfeit eligibility for federal benefits and protections, including PSLF, income-driven repayment, deferment and forbearance.

Loan refinancing is one of the few ways to potentially decrease the total amount of interest you pay on your student loan. If you qualify, lowering your interest rate can add up to some serious savings over the life of your loan, depending on how long you take to repay it.

If you’re dealing with high loan payments and are looking to free up some monthly cash flow, refinancing may also help you lower your monthly payment. This can be done by getting a lower interest rate and/or extending the length of the repayment term. Just keep in mind that by extending the term, you may end up paying more interest over time.

Additionally, student loan refinancing allows you to focus on paying off your loan over a fixed time period, meaning that you won’t be stuck paying interest on your loans for the rest of your life.

Of course, not all law enforcement officials will benefit from refinancing, particularly those planning on taking advantage of Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Make sure to do your due diligence when picking out a loan repayment plan that is right for you. In general, there are many loan repayment and loan forgiveness options available to law enforcement, which means you can focus on your job instead of your loans.

The Takeaway

Student loan forgiveness options are available to police and other law enforcement officers, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Perkins Loan cancellation. PSLF can forgive Direct Loan balances after 120 qualifying payments, while Perkins Loans may be 100% canceled after five years of service. If forgiveness isn’t an option, refinancing could help lower your student loan costs.

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.

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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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Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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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.

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Aug
27
2025
Guide to FAFSA Income Requirements

What Are the FAFSA Income Limits for Eligibility?

By | Going to College, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off on What Are the FAFSA Income Limits for Eligibility?

Even if your parents are high earners (or you’re a grad student with a good salary), it’s worth filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA®. While your earnings are a factor on the FAFSA, there are no set income limits to apply or to qualify for aid, and not all programs are based on need. The FAFSA also provides access to non-need-based programs, including institutional merit aid and unsubsidized federal loans.

Regardless of income, It’s generally recommended to fill out the FAFSA as close to its release date as possible. Typically, the FAFSA opens on October 1 for the following academic year.

Read on to learn more about income requirements to be eligible for financial aid and why it’s probably a good idea to fill out the FAFSA.

Key Points

•   Eligibility for need-based grants includes financial need, U.S. citizenship, and enrollment in an eligible program.

•   Work-study programs offer part-time jobs for students with some financial need and require filling out the FAFSA.

•   Subsidized loans cover interest while in school; unsubsidized loans start accruing interest immediately.

•   Early FAFSA submission maximizes financial aid opportunities.

•   Additional funding options include private loans, scholarships, and part-time work.

What Are FAFSA Income Limits?

There is no income maximum when you file the FAFSA as an undergraduate or graduate student to attend college or career school. In other words, any student attending or applying to an eligible school can fill out and submit the online form, even if they or their parents are higher earners.

In addition, there are no simple income cutoffs for financial aid eligibility, in part due to the complexity of financial aid formulas.

In general, to be eligible for financial aid, you’ll need to:

•   Have a high school diploma or a recognized equivalency, such as a GED, or have completed a state-approved home-school high school education

•   Demonstrate financial need (for most programs)

•   Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen

•   Have a valid Social Security Number

•   Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program

•   Maintain satisfactory academic progress in college if you’re already enrolled. Standards for satisfactory academic progress vary by school


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How Are FAFSA Needs Calculated?

Your eligibility for scholarships, grants, work-study, and federal student loans depends on two key factors: your Student Aid Index (SAI) and the school’s cost of attendance (COA).

If you’re a dependent student with divorced parents, the parent who provided more financial support to you during the last 12 months should complete the FAFSA. If both parents provided an equal amount of financial support (or if they don’t support you financially), the parent with the greater income and assets should fill out the FAFSA.

SAI

The Student Aid Index (SAI) is an eligibility index number (ranging from –1500 to 9999990) that a college’s financial aid office uses to determine how much federal aid a student would receive if they attended the school.

SAI is calculated using the information you provide in the FAFSA. The formula assesses you and your parents’ total financial resources (including income and assets), then deducts the minimum amount needed for your family’s normal annual living expenses. The remaining amount may, in part, be allocated for college expenses.

Where you fall on the SAI scale helps your school determine what level of financial support you may need.

Recommended: Harvard University Cost

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance (COA) of a college or university refers to the estimated cost of a year of attendance at that school, including tuition, lodging, food, local transportation, and personal expenses.

When financial aid staffers at a college or university calculate the amount of financial aid you can qualify for, they consider your SAI, any other financial assistance you are already receiving, and the school’s COA to determine your financial need.

You can get an estimate of how much financial aid you might qualify for by using the government’s Federal Student Aid Estimator .

Grants and Loans That Require Financial Need

Federal grants and loans that require you to demonstrate financial need in order to qualify include:

•   Federal Pell Grants

•   Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

•   Federal Work-Study Program

•   Direct Subsidized Loans

Different Kinds of Financial Aid

Submitting the FAFSA puts you in the running for need-based, as well as non-need-based, aid. Depending on your financial profile, here’s what you may be able to get by completing the form.

Pell Grants

The Pell Grant is a need-based financial aid program from the federal government that is designed to help undergraduates from low-income families afford college. The Federal Pell Grant award amount changes yearly. The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2025-26 academic year is $7,395.

The actual amount of Pell Grant you can receive depends on your SAI, the COA at your college or university, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and the amount of time that you will attend school during the academic year.

FSEOG

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), which typically doesn’t have to be repaid (unless you don’t fulfill your end of the bargain by completing school), goes to students who demonstrate exceptional need, as determined through the FAFSA.

The awards range $100 to $4,000 a year. The amount of money you can get depends not only on your level of need but also on when you apply, the amount of other aid you get, and how much your college or university can offer students.

Work-Study Programs

Work-study is a federal program that helps college students with financial need get part-time jobs either on or off campus to earn money for college. Students are typically responsible for securing their own work-study jobs.

Not all schools offer work-study, so it’s a good idea to reach out to the financial aid offices at the schools you’re interested in to see if they offer the program. To apply for work-study, you simply need to select the box on the FAFSA that indicates you want to be considered for work-study.

Direct Subsidized Loans

A Direct Subsidized Loan is a loan provided by the federal government for students who demonstrate financial need. You do not have to pay interest on the loan while you’re in school, during any deferment, or for six months after you graduate (known as the grace period). The government picks up this tab.

Before receiving the funds from a Direct Subsidized Loan, you need to complete entrance counseling, which goes over your obligation to repay the loan, and sign a master promissory note, which indicates that you agree to the loan terms.

For undergraduate students who get (or got) loans after July 1, 2025 and before July 1, 2026, the interest rate for Direct Subsidized Loans is 6.39%.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Like a Direct Subsidized Loan, a Direct Unsubsidized Loan comes from the federal government, but graduate and professional students can also receive these loans.

Unlike Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans are non-need based and the government does not pay the interest while you’re in school, during any deferment, and during the grace period. You will be responsible for paying all interest, which begins accruing as soon as the loan is dispersed.

For undergraduate students who get (or got) loans after July 1, 2025 and before July 1, 2026, the interest rate for Direct Unsubsidized Loans is 6.39%.

For graduate or professional students, the interest rate for Direct Unsubsidized loans is 7.94%.

It’s worth noting that for both types of Direct loans, you do not need to undergo a credit check in order to qualify. These types of loans also have annual and aggregate loan limits.

Direct PLUS Loan

Parents of undergraduate students and graduate or professional students can receive a Direct PLUS Loan from a school that participates in the Direct Loan Program. Some schools call this loan type a parent PLUS loan or grad PLUS loan to differentiate the two.

For Direct PLUS Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2025, and before July 1, 2026, the interest rate is 8.94%.

You’ll undergo a credit check as a parent or a graduate/professional student to look for adverse events, but eligibility does not depend on your credit scores.

(Note: As of July 1, 2026, Federal Direct PLUS Loans for graduate students will no longer be available. Federal Direct Loans will remain, however, and are available to graduate and professional students.)


💡 Quick Tip: Parents and sponsors with strong credit and income may find competitive rates on no-fees-required private parent student loans than federal parent PLUS loans. Federal PLUS loans also come with an origination fee.

Beyond Federal Student Loans

Do you have to file the FAFSA? No, it’s not required, but it is a good idea to do so. Schools, states, and other programs also use the FAFSA to determine merit-based grants and scholarships.

Aside from federal loans, here’s a look at other ways to pay for college.

Savings

Some parents, and grandparents, prepare for the task of paying for college well in advance using a tax-advantaged savings account, such as a 529 account. A 529 plan allows your savings to grow tax-free, and some states even offer a tax deduction on your contributions.The advantage of tapping into savings is obvious: You don’t have to borrow funds and pay interest.

Private Student Loans

Private student loans come from a bank, credit union, or other private lender. Loan limits vary by lender, but you can often get up to the total cost of attendance for school. Each lender sets its own interest rate and you can often choose to go with a fixed or variable rate. Unlike some federal loans, qualification is not need-based. However, you will need to undergo a credit check, and students often need a cosigner.

You generally want to exhaust federal loan options before turning to private student loans, since private loans generally don’t offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment and forbearance — that come with federal student loans.

Grants

Grants, which are typically need-based, are a type of financial aid that students generally don’t have to repay. The federal grant program includes the Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.

A student can seek other grants from their state, their college or career school, or another organization.

Scholarships

Scholarships, like grants, are a type of financial aid that you don’t have to pay back. Scholarships are available through a wide variety of sources, including professional organizations, your job or your parents’ jobs, local organizations, religious groups, your college or career school, and more.

There are a number of scholarship finders available online.

Part-Time Work

Even if you don’t qualify for work-study, you can look for a part-time job. If you have the time and energy to pair a part-time job with your studies, you can consider doing so after classes or on the weekends. Part-time work can help you pay for school or additional expenses, such as rent or groceries.

The Takeaway

There are no income limits for filing the FAFSA, and completing it can open the door to a wide range of financial aid opportunities — from need-based grants and work-study programs to merit aid and federal loans. Even if you or your parents earn a higher income, submitting the FAFSA early ensures you won’t miss out on potential opportunities to lower the cost of college.

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

Can you get financial aid if your parents make over $100K?

The U.S. Department of Education doesn’t have an official income cutoff to qualify for federal financial aid. The reason is that the formula for determining need-based aid is complex and involves more than just your parents’ income. Assets, the size of your family, your school’s cost of attendance, and other factors all go into deciding how much aid you can receive.

Also keep in mind that not all financial aid is need-based, including Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and institutional merit aid. That’s why it’s important to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) each year.

How are FAFSA income limits different for divorced parents?

For the FAFSA®, the parent who provided more financial support to you over the past 12 months is responsible for completing the FAFSA, regardless of who you live with. If the parent who provides greater financial support has remarried, your stepparent’s income and asset information must also be reported on the FAFSA.

Are FAFSA income limits different for independent students?

No. The U.S. Department of Education uses the same formula for calculating aid regardless of whether you are a dependent or independent student.

That said, independent students may receive more aid than dependent students simply because they tend to have less income and fewer assets to report. You can qualify as an independent student if you are at least 24 years old, married, a graduate or professional student, a veteran, a member of the armed forces, an orphan or a ward of the court, or taking care of legal dependents.

About the author

Melissa Brock

Melissa Brock

Melissa Brock is a higher education and personal finance expert with more than a decade of experience writing online content. She spent 12 years in college admission prior to switching to full-time freelance writing and editing. Read full bio.

Photo credit: iStock/Prostock-Studio

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Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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Student Loan Forgiveness Programs for Native Americans

By | Debt Payoff, Student Loans | No Comments

When it comes to higher education, Native Americans face obstacles. The Postsecondary National Policy Institute says that postsecondary attendance among Native American students has been in decline since 2010. According to the Education Department, “American Indians and Alaska Natives have a much lower rate of college completion than the population as a whole.”

The soaring cost of college could have something to do with this: The average annual cost of tuition at a public 4-year college is 40 times higher than in 1963. This has resulted in nearly 43 million Americans owing more than $1.6 trillion in federal student loans (the balance is even higher if you include private loans).

The good news is, there may be opportunities for student loan forgiveness. Here’s a look at student loan forgiveness programs for Native American students that could offer financial relief.

Key Points

•   Native American students face financial barriers in higher education, but some states and schools offer aid.

•   Indian Health Services Loan Repayment offers up to $25K yearly for health care professionals in Native communities.

•   PSLF and Teacher Loan Forgiveness provide debt relief for public service and education careers.

Take control of your student loans.
Ditch student loan debt for good.

Picking a Career With Loan Forgiveness

One very important resource: The Bureau of Indian Education provides a list of scholarships and grants available to Native American students, such as the American Indian College Fund.

Many states offer financial aid to Native American students attending college. Some individual colleges and state schools also offer free tuition and room and board to Native American students. For instance, Native American students who are Montana residents can qualify for a tuition waiver at Montana State University.

Keeping a career in mind when pursuing an education can make a big difference in financial aid and forgiveness options.


💡 Quick Tip: Enjoy no hidden fees and special member benefits when you refinance student loans with SoFi. (You may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance with an extended term. Refinancing federal loans also means losing access to federal forgiveness programs and other benefits.)

Health Services

One of the programs that gives priority to Native Americans is the Indian Health Services Loan Repayment Program. This program, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides up to $50,000 for health professionals to help repay eligible education loans.

In exchange, health professionals agree to an initial two-year service commitment practicing in areas that serve American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

Priority enrollment in this program is given to American Indians and Alaska Natives. Professions across the health care spectrum, including behavioral health, dentistry, and dietetics, are available.

The organization says that available opportunities are based on the greatest staffing needs in Native American health facilities. Participants are also eligible to extend their contracts annually until their qualifying student debt is paid.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

This program, offered by the Education Department, is open to all qualified students, not just Native Americans. The careers that may qualify for Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) range from forestry and natural resources to teaching and law enforcement.

To receive loan forgiveness for work in public service, applicants must work full-time for a qualifying government agency or certain nonprofits. After 120 on-time, qualifying payments in an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan, the remainder of the student debt can be forgiven.

The Department of Federal Student Aid offers a PSLF Help Tool to start work on the Employment Certification Form to apply.

Serving as a full-time AmeriCorps or Peace Corps volunteer also counts as qualifying employment for the program. Loans that may be eligible to be forgiven under PSLF include any nondefaulted loans that you received under the Direct Loan Program from the government. Private loans are not eligible for any federal forgiveness plans.

Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program

For students interested in pursuing a career in teaching, the Education Department’s Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program is key. If you teach full-time for five years straight in a low-income school or educational service agency, you might be eligible for up to $17,500 for certain subject areas.

Even if you don’t teach math, science, or special education, you could still receive up to $5,000 in loan forgiveness if you are a qualified full-time elementary or secondary education teacher.

This might be another option for Native American students looking for student loan debt forgiveness by giving back to a community in need.

To qualify, the school or educational agency must be listed in the directory, published by the Education Department, for the years you were/are a teacher.


💡 Quick Tip: It might be beneficial to look for a refinancing lender that offers extras. SoFi members, for instance, can qualify for rate discounts and have access to financial advisors, networking events, and more — at no extra cost.

Lowering Your Student Loan Payments

While student loan forgiveness is often a great solution for debt relief, sometimes you might not qualify for career-based programs. One solution is income-driven repayment (IDR) plans for federal student loans.

You currently have three options for income-driven repayment: PAYE, Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR), and Income-Based Repayment (IBR). These plans adjust your monthly payments based on your discretionary income.

The IBR plan can also lead to loan forgiveness after 20 or 25 years of payments. In the coming years, PAYE and ICR will be eliminated, and the Education Department will introduce a new income-driven plan called the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP). RAP may forgive your remaining balance after 30 years of repayment.

Recommended: Student Loan Forgiveness: Programs for Relief and Mass Forgiveness

Refinancing Student Loans

Refinancing your student loans may lead to savings. When you refinance, you replace your loans with a new loan that ideally has a better interest rate. You can also choose new terms, as well as combine multiple loans into one to simplify repayment.

There’s a major caveat to be aware of, though: Refinancing federal loans means losing eligibility for federal forgiveness programs, like PSLF and Teacher Loan Forgiveness. You also won’t be able to access income-driven repayment or other federal programs.

If that’s not an issue -– or you’re only refinancing private loans -– refinancing could be a strategic financial move. (Note that you may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance with an extended term.)

The Takeaway

Native Americans seeking student loan forgiveness can find several options, including the Indian Health Services Loan Repayment Program, which prioritizes Native Americans in health care roles and offers up to $50,000 for eligible education loans. Other federal programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program are also available for those working in public service or teaching in low-income areas, potentially offering significant debt relief. Refinancing is also an option to lower your monthly student loan payments.

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.


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).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
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.

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What Is the Average Length of Time to Pay Off Student Loans?

By | Fresh Out of School, Student Loans, student_loan | No Comments

Whether you’ve just graduated from college or you’ve been making payments for years, your student loan debt can seem endless. When you take out a federal student loan, the Standard Repayment Plan is currently 10 years. But starting in the summer of 2026, there will be a new Standard Repayment Plan with terms that range from 10 to 25 years, depending on your loan amount.

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average student borrower takes 20 years to pay off their loans. However, this timeline can vary based on factors such as the type of repayment plan and interest.

And, not all loans are treated equally. Your major, amount borrowed, loan type, and chosen career path can all influence how much you could end up paying back. Continue reading to discover steps you can take to help reduce your student loan debt.

Key Points

•   Student loan repayment terms vary significantly, with federal loans currently offering a 10-year standard plan and private loans having terms set by individual lenders.

•   Federal student loans provide multiple repayment options, including income-driven plans that adjust payments based on income, potentially forgiving remaining balances on the Income-Based Repayment plan after a specified period.

•   Borrowers can expedite loan repayment by making extra payments or refinancing, although refinancing may lead to the loss of federal loan benefits like income-driven repayment.

•   Income-driven repayment can lower monthly payments for borrowers in lower-paying jobs, but extending the loan term may increase overall interest costs.

•   Employer assistance for student loans may be available under the CARES Act, allowing tax-free payments up to $5,250 through 2025.

How Long Are Student Loan Terms?

How long it takes to pay off student loans can vary based on a few different factors. There is a specific selection of student loan terms available for federal student loan borrowers. The current Standard Repayment Plan spans 10 years but borrowers can change their repayment plan at any time, without incurring any fees.

The recent U.S. domestic policy bill created a new Standard Repayment Plan that will be introduced in the summer of 2026 and apply to loans issued after July 1, 2026. This Standard Plan has terms that start at 10 years for loan balances less than $25,000 and go up to 25 years for balances over $100,000.

The terms on private student loans are set by the individual lender. Terms are set at the time the loan is borrowed. To adjust the terms of a private student loan, the borrower will generally need to refinance the loan. Check in directly with the private student loan lender.

Federal Student Loan Terms

While most federal student loans use the standard repayment plan, other loans have different options. (And both Direct Consolidation Loans and FFEL Consolidation Loans offer 10- to 30-year repayment terms.)

Here are the current repayment plans that the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) has set up for federal loans.

•   Standard Repayment Plan: up to 10 years

•   Graduated Repayment Plan: up to 10 years

•   Extended Repayment Plan: up to 25 years

•   Income-Driven Repayment Plans, including:

◦   Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Plan: up to 20 years

◦   Income-Based Repayment (IBR) Plan: 20 or 25 years

◦   Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) Plan: 25 years

The IBR plan forgives any outstanding balances at the end of the term. Borrowers who are on PAYE or ICR can switch to IBR and get credit for their payments. Keep in mind that you may have to pay taxes on the forgiven balance after 2025.


💡 Quick Tip: Ready to refinance your student loan? With SoFi’s no-fees-required loans, you could save thousands. (You may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance with an extended term.)

Private Student Loan Terms

For those who’ve taken out private student loans to pay for school, the payment plan may differ from those with federal loans. Some private lenders have terms that are 10 years like their federal counterparts. Other lenders cap terms at 20 or 25 years.

The repayment timeline for private loans varies — for some private loans, you might have to start paying it back while you’re still in school. And they might have fixed or variable interest rates. Because of this, it’s hard to measure how long it takes the average person to pay off their private student loans.

Recommended: Average Student Loan Debt

Paying Off Your Student Loans Sooner

There are plenty of smart ways to pay off student loans. Most important is that you make your payments on-time each month. But, strategies like making overpayments can help you accelerate your pay-off timeline. Regardless of the type of loan you have, there are steps you can take to help get rid of your student debt sooner than you originally thought.

Pay More Than the Minimum

Paying the minimum might be what you can afford right now. But if you come into some extra cash — whether through a bonus at work, a gift from a relative, or your tax refund — you can use this money toward your student loan balance.

Cutting away at your debt when possible may help shorten the length of your repayment.

Want to pay your student loans off fast?
Understand how student loan
refinancing can help.

Refinance Your Loans

While consolidating your federal student loans with a Direct Consolidation Loan is an option for some, those with private student loans may want to consider refinancing instead.

Refinancing your student loans means a private lender pays off your student loans for you and then you pay back your lender with a new loan, new interest rate, and new terms. Ideally, your interest rate would be lower, which could save you money on interest over the life of the loan. However, your interest charges may increase if you refinance with an extended term.

Refinancing allows you to combine all your loans, private and federal, into one for more streamlined payments. But if the interest rate offered isn’t lower than what you’re currently paying, or there are more fees, you might want to keep your options open.

And keep in mind that when you refinance, you’ll lose your federal loan benefits like income-based repayment or forbearance. If you’d like to continue taking advantage of those benefits, refinancing might not be for you right now. Ultimately, refinancing should be helpful, not cause more stress or create more debt.


💡 Quick Tip: When refinancing a student loan, you may shorten or extend the loan term. Shortening your loan term may result in higher monthly payments but significantly less total interest paid. A longer loan term typically results in lower monthly payments but more total interest paid.

Choosing Another Payment Plan

As mentioned, federal student loan borrowers can change their repayment plan at any time. Calculating your student loan payment is easy with tools like SoFi’s student loan calculator. These calculators can help estimate how much you’ll be paying each month on your student loans. Once you get an estimate, you can more easily decide if you want to choose a new payment plan, stick with your current payment plan, or switch to another.

Income-driven repayment is one option that allows borrowers to lower their monthly payments, though generally, this results in an extended loan term with increased interest costs. Continue reading for more details on income-driven repayment for federal student loans.

Income-Driven Repayment

Income-driven repayment uses your discretionary income and family size to determine how much you pay on a monthly basis. This can be helpful for those in entry-level, lower-paying positions, as they could pay less monthly early on.

As your financial situation improves, your monthly payment minimum increases in turn (and vice versa). Remember that income-based repayment often has a longer term, which could mean you end up paying more interest over the life of your loans. Three types of income-driven repayment include PAYE, IBR, and ICR plans.

Due to recent legislation, the PAYE and ICR plans will be eliminated soon, and a new income-driven option called the Repayment Assistance Plan will be introduced in 2026.

Income-Based Repayment (IBR)

IBR sets payments at 10% of discretionary income for loans borrowed after July 1, 2014 and 15% for loans borrowed before that date. Newer borrowers have a repayment term of 20 years, while those with older loans have a term of 25 years. IBR should offer loan forgiveness at the end of your term, though the DOE has paused processing IBR forgiveness applications while it updates its systems.

Pay As You Earn (PAYE)

On the PAYE Plan, loan repayment takes place over 20 years. Payments are 10% of your discretionary income, but never more than what you would pay on the standard 10-year repayment plan.

Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR)

The loan repayment term for the ICR Plan is 25 years. Loan payments can be either 20% of your discretionary income or the value of what you’d pay on a fixed payment repayment plan over 12 years — whichever is lesser in value.

Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)

RAP will become an option for borrowers in the summer of 2026. It will also be the only income-driven repayment option for loans issued after July 1 of that year. RAP sets your payment at 1% to 10% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) each year. It offers forgiveness after 30 years of payments.

Exploring Your Employee Benefits

Your job might be able to help you with your student loan debt. Under the CARES Act, employers may pay up to $5,250 as tax-free student loan payments for employees through Dec. 31, 2025. Here are some employers who might help you pay your loans.

Refinance Your Student Loans With SoFi

You can refinance student loans to ideally secure a lower interest rate, which could reduce the amount of money you’ll owe over the life of the loan. It’s also possible to adjust your repayment term — though keep in mind that while extending your term will result in lower payments, it may increase your interest costs over the life of the loan. You’ll also lose access to federal repayment plans, forgiveness programs, and other benefits if you refinance federal student loans with a private lender.

Refinancing at SoFi is easy — it takes a few minutes to fill out a simple, online application. Qualifying borrowers can secure competitive interest rates, and there are no required fees. Plus, as a SoFi member, you’ll gain access to other benefits like exclusive events and financial planning.

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.

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).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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