A female student sitting at a desk, writing in a notebook as she studies for the GMAT.

Applying for a Student Loan Cosigner Release

If you borrow a student loan with a cosigner, you may want to officially remove them from the loan by applying for a cosigner release. The specific requirements for this can vary by lender but may include things like a minimum number of on-time monthly payments and a review of your credit history.

Borrowers will likely be required to file a formal application with their lender in order to release their cosigner from a student loan. Continue reading for a high-level rundown of what the process of cosigner release can look like and what other options might exist if a cosigner release is not available.

Key Points

•   A cosigner release allows the cosigner to be officially removed from a student loan if certain conditions are met.

•   Eligibility requirements may include a minimum number of on-time payments, proof of stable income, and a good credit history.

•   Borrowers must submit a formal request to the lender, often requiring documentation like tax returns or pay stubs.

•   Cosigners of student loans can benefit by building their credit profile, limiting financial liability, and avoiding risks such as automatic default in the event of their death.

•   An alternative to a cosigner release is refinancing the loan in the borrower’s name only, which can remove the cosigner while potentially lowering interest rates.

What Is a Cosigner?

The financial aid process typically begins with families filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to see how much aid they’ll receive. Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized federal loans don’t need a cosigner, but they don’t always cover the whole cost of your education. If you’re unable to get a student loan yourself, a cosigner — often a parent, relative, or close family friend — may be able to help secure funding.

Cosigners are just as responsible as the primary borrower to repay the loan. If the primary borrower doesn’t make a payment on time, the cosigner is legally required to make the payment. Late or missed payments can affect the credit scores of both the primary borrower and the cosigner. If a debt goes into default and the lender hires a collection agency, that agency can pursue the cosigner to collect the debt.

Cosigners may choose to help their child or family member take out a loan when they are in college, but once the student graduates and gets a job, they may decide it’s time for them to take full responsibility for the loan.

Recommended: Getting Private Student Loans Without a Cosigner

What Is a Cosigner Release, and How Do You Qualify?

A cosigner release is the process of removing a cosigner from a loan. Depending on the loan’s terms, the cosigner may be removed from the loan with a cosigner release after the student has graduated and met certain requirements as outlined by the lender. Here’s a list of the typical requirements that a primary borrower must have in order to remove a cosigner from their loan:

Minimum Full Monthly Payments

Typically, the primary borrower will have to show that they’ve made one to two years’ worth of full monthly payments, depending on the lender. Full payments include principal and interest rate payments, and they must be made on time.

Satisfactory Credit

The lender will generally check the primary borrower’s credit to make sure they can qualify for the loan on their own and meet minimum credit requirements. For example, they’ll be looking to make sure that the borrower doesn’t have any loans in default and that they have a good consumer credit report.

Employment

Lenders may ask for proof of employment and determine whether a primary borrower is meeting minimum income requirements. Borrowers may be asked to prove income with recent paystubs, W-2s, or the borrower’s most recent tax return.

Depending on your lender, there may be other criteria you have to meet.

How to Apply for Cosigner Release

Before a lender will release a cosigner, primary borrowers must submit an application. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for a cosigner release.

1. Check with Your Lender

First things first, if you’re unsure if the loan you have qualifies for a cosigner release, check directly with your lender. Generally, lenders will have certain requirements that borrowers are required to meet before they can apply for a cosigner release. These may include things like making a minimum number of on-time monthly payments, establishing a strong credit history, and securing employment. Again, each lender is able to set their own criteria.

2. File an Application

Once you’re confident you can meet the requirements, you will likely have to file a formal application with your lender to have the cosigner removed from your loan. Depending on the lender, you may be able to submit the application online or by mailing in a printed form. Read the application requirements thoroughly because some lenders may require supporting documentation, like a W-2 or recent pay stubs.

Once you have submitted an application with the information your lender requires, the lender might then issue a cosigner release.

Why Get a Cosigner Release?

A cosigner may want to be released from a student loan for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the flexibility they may gain from having that portion of their credit freed up.

First, their debt-to-income ratio will likely improve, which may make it easier to apply for new credit or get a new loan at a favorable interest rate. If a cosigner is looking to buy a car or get a mortgage, for example — or even cosign another loan — they may be able to do so with more favorable rates.

Cosigners with other children bound for college may want to be released from one child’s loan so they can turn their attention to funding their next child’s education.

Another reason to consider releasing a cosigner is that some private loans go into automatic default if the cosigner dies. Removing the cosigner protects the primary borrower from needing to worry that they may have to pay any remaining balance in full immediately if their cosigner dies.

Once the cosigner is released from the loan, they will no longer have to worry that their credit will be damaged if loan payments aren’t made on time, or that they may be responsible for payments should the primary borrower drop the ball.

What Are the Limitations of Cosigner Releases?

Not all loans offer a cosigner release; and even for those that do, it can be difficult to obtain. For that reason, when you are on the hunt for an initial loan, you should read the fine print to see if the loan offers a cosigner release option. That way, you’ll know the possibility is there.

What Are the Alternatives to a Cosigner Release?

If your application for a release is rejected, there are other ways you may be able to relieve your cosigner.

One alternative that might be worth considering is refinancing your student loan(s).

When you refinance student loans, your new lender pays off your old loan (or loans) in full, replacing it with a new one. If the primary borrower can qualify for a new loan on their own, they won’t need to include the cosigner on the new loan.

Keep in mind, though, that if you refinance your federal student loans into a private student loan, you’ll lose access to federal benefits and forgiveness options.

Recommended: Should I Refinance My Federal Student Loans?

The Takeaway

Applying for a cosigner release may require that the primary borrower meet certain lender requirements like having a full-time job and making a minimum number of on-time monthly payments. If approved, the cosigner on the loan will be officially removed and the primary borrower will be the sole borrower. In the event that you aren’t approved for a cosigner release, you may be able to remove your cosigner by refinancing your loan.

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

What is a cosigner release, and why might you apply for one?

A cosigner release is a process that allows the primary borrower to remove the cosigner from a student loan. This can be beneficial if you want to take full responsibility for the loan, build your credit score, or reduce the financial burden on your cosigner.

What are the typical requirements for a cosigner release?

The requirements for a cosigner release can vary by lender, but common criteria include a strong credit score, a stable income, and a history of on-time payments. Some lenders may also require a certain number of consecutive on-time payments before considering a release.

How can you check if you are eligible for a cosigner release?

To check if you are eligible for a cosigner release, review the terms and conditions of your loan agreement or contact your lender directly. They can provide specific details about the eligibility criteria and the application process.


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.

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.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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How to Find Your Student Loan Account Number_780x440:

How to Find Your Student Loan Account Number

While on the road to repayment, there will likely be instances when you need to know your student loan account number (like if you want to change repayment plans or refinance). But you probably haven’t committed this number to memory. In fact, you might not even know how to find it.

If you need your student loan account number but don’t know how to get it, don’t worry. Read on to learn what a student loan account number is, why you need it, and how to find it.

Key Points

•   Your student loan account number is a unique 10-digit identifier provided by your loan servicer.

•   This number is essential for managing your loans, including making changes to repayment plans or refinancing.

•   You can find your student loan account number on your monthly statements or by logging into your Federal Student Aid account online.

•   If you don’t have access to online services, your loan servicer can provide the account number upon request.

•   For private loans, contact your lender directly to obtain account information, as these do not have a federal student loan identification number.

What Is a Student Loan Account Number?

Your student loan account number is a unique 10-digit number that is given to you by your student loan provider and is used for identifying your federal student loan.

Students can use their student loan account number to look up their payments and see how much of their balance is left. This number is also used to verify a student’s identity when they are using services offered by the loan provider, such as mobile banking or trying to obtain previous student loan statements.

Some financial institutions and banks may ask you for your student loan account number before allowing you to borrow money or open a new credit card. You’ll also need to know this number if you are considering refinancing those loans.

In addition, your student loan account number is used for tax purposes in order to verify that the student loan on a tax return is yours.

Students with private loans won’t have a federal student loan identification number associated with those loans. Instead, you’ll need to contact the lender directly in order to get account information. This includes any private student loans that were originally federal ones but were refinanced into a private loan, since those balances would now show in government records as $0.00.

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How to Find Your Student Loan Account Number

The easiest place to find your student loan account number is on the monthly student loan statements sent by your loan provider. You should be able to find it on the upper right or left corner near your name, or somewhere in that vicinity. You can also check your e-mail account if you’re receiving your statements by e-mail.

If you don’t have access to any of your monthly statements, you can log into the Federal Student Aid website using your FSA (Federal Student Aid) ID to see your loan details. This will allow you to see your student loan account number, along with additional information about your loans.

Don’t have an FSA ID? Not to worry.

More About the FSA ID

The FSA ID replaced the Federal Student PIN in 2015, so students who haven’t taken out new student loans or haven’t logged into the Federal Student Aid website since 2015 might not have an FSA ID yet.

Students who don’t have an FSA ID can create one by visiting the Federal Student Aid website and creating an account. Once you sign up for an FSA ID, the federal government will verify your information with the Social Security Administration. Once verified, you will be able to use your FSA ID to obtain information about your federal student loans.

The site, managed by the U.S. Department of Education, can provide a convenient way to get a full picture of all your federal loans, including:

•   How many federal student loans you have

•   Their loan types

•   The original balance on each loan

•   Current loan balances

•   Interest rates on loans

•   Whether any loans are in default

•   Loan service provider’s names

•   Contact information of the loan service providers

Recommended: How Much Do I Owe in Student Loans?

Identifying Lenders

Federal student loans aren’t directly administered by the government. While the government is the lender, these loans are managed by a variety of loan servicers that take on administrative tasks such as sending bills to borrowers, creating repayment plans, and consolidating loans.

It’s important to know which servicers are overseeing your loans so you know where to send payments and who to reach out to if you have questions or need to discuss an alternative payment plan.

The U.S. Department of Education assigns loans to these companies:

•   Edfinancial : 1-855-337-6884

•   MOHELA : 1-888-866-4352

•   Aidvantage : 1-800-722-1300

•   Nelnet : 1-888-486-4722

•   ECSI : 1-866-313-3797

•   Default Resolution Group : 1-800-621-3115

•   CRI : 1-833-355-4311

As mentioned, you can find information about which entities are servicing your federal loans when logged on to StudentAid.gov. Another way to confirm a loan servicer is to call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-433-3243.

As far as private student loans go, the lender is typically a bank, online lender, or other financial institution. Contact information should be available on the bills and other information sent to you.

If these documents have been misplaced, the private lender’s information can typically be found on your credit reports. You can request a free credit report from each of the three reporting agencies — Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion® — by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com.

Finally, another way to track down your private student loan lenders is by contacting your college’s financial aid office.

Paying Back Student Loan Debt

With federal student loans, there are multiple payment plans available:

•   Standard Repayment Plan: This is the default repayment plan, which lasts 10 years. Borrowers will typically pay less interest over time on the Standard Repayment Plan versus other repayment plans. However, it may not be a good choice if you’re interested in getting your loans discharged through Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Under Trump’s new One Big Beautiful Bill, however, the plan’s term will be determined by the amount borrowed (for loans borrowed on or after July 1, 2026).

•   Graduated repayment plan: With this plan, payments start low and increase every two years. This can help students who don’t earn a lot now but expect their income to increase. However, you’ll pay more interest over time with this plan than the Standard Repayment Plan. As of July 1, 2026, this plan will no longer exist. Borrowers currently on this plan have until July 1, 2028 to switch plans.

•   Extended repayment plan: Payments can be made during a period of up to 25 years. This can help lower monthly payment amounts, but students will pay back more interest over the life of the loan than those who use the standard or graduated repayment plans. As of July 1, 2026, this plan will no longer exist. Borrowers currently on this plan have until July 1, 2028 to switch plans.

•   Income-driven repayment plan (IDR): IDR plans can help cap student loan payments at a percentage of the borrower’s income. These plans can be a good choice for borrowers who are seeking loan forgiveness, but they will typically pay more interest overall than under the standard plan.

To pay off student loans more quickly, one option is to put extra money toward student loans each month through larger or additional payments. By paying more toward the principal balance, you won’t just pay off your loan faster, you’ll also reduce the total amount of interest paid over the life of the loan. It’s a good idea to contact the lender or loan servicer to ensure that any extra payments are applied to the principal as intended.

Alternatively, you could pursue certain loan forgiveness programs, such as PSLF or Teacher Loan Forgiveness.

Recommended: Smart Strategies to Lower Your Student Loan Payments

Refinancing Student Loans – Pros and Cons

Another option to consider is to refinance student loans. There are pros and cons to that strategy you’ll want to consider.

Advantages of refinancing student loans include the following:

•   Loans can be combined into one single loan and payment, which can be easier to manage.

•   You may get a lower interest rate. If you have good credit and a solid income, you may qualify for a better rate, which could help reduce what you pay over the life of the loan. You can see what you might save by using a student loan refinancing calculator.

•   Some private lenders, including SoFi, will consolidate federal and private student loans and refinance them into one loan.

•   The term length can be adjusted. A longer repayment term can help to lower the monthly payment (though you may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance with an extended term), while a shorter one can help to reduce the total amount of interest paid back over the life of the loan.

Disadvantages of refinancing include:

•   Refinancing federal student loans with a private lender means that borrowers will lose access to benefits associated with federal student loans, including income-driven repayment options and loan forgiveness programs.

•   Other federal protections will no longer apply, including deferment and forbearance, which allow payments to be temporarily reduced or paused.

•   Most federal student loans have a six-month grace period, during which you don’t have to make any loan payments. If you refinance your loan soon after graduation, you might lose out on that benefit if your private lender doesn’t offer a grace period.

Recommended: Should You Refinance Your Student Loans?

The Takeaway

It’s important to know your student loan account number, which can be found on your federal loan statements or online. This 10-digit number can be used to access loan information, use other lender services and apps, and help you figure out a payment plan. You may also need your student loan account number when applying for a credit card or other loan, and if you decide to refinance your student loan.

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

Why is it important to know your student loan account number?

Knowing your student loan account number is important for making payments, managing your account, and communicating with your loan servicer. It helps ensure that your payments are applied correctly and that you can access your account information easily.

Where can you find your student loan account number on your monthly statement?

Your student loan account number is typically listed prominently on your monthly statement, often near the top or in a dedicated section. It’s usually a unique series of numbers and sometimes letters.

Can you find your student loan account number online?

Yes, you can find your student loan account number by logging into your account on your loan servicer’s website. Once logged in, navigate to your account dashboard or profile, where you should see your account number listed.


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.

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.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

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stethoscope and laptop

How Much Money Do Medical Residents Make?

While medical doctors have high earning potential, the first few years of a doctor’s career — known as residency — tend to be defined by long hours and relatively low pay.

So if you’ve got a medical career ahead of you — and medical school student loans to pay off — what sort of financial life can you expect? In this article, we’ll explore the average pay for medical residents and what they can do to manage their finances during this time.

Key Points

•   The average medical resident earns around $66,712 annually their first year (PGY-1), which translates to $5,560/month before taxes.

•   Residents often work up to 80 hours/week, making their hourly rate roughly $16–$17.

•   Budgeting, roommate living, and minimizing fixed costs like transportation and subscriptions can help stretch income.

•   Meal prepping and cooking at home can significantly reduce monthly expenses.

•   Refinancing student loans during residency may reduce interest accrual and allow for low monthly payments, though federal benefits may be forfeited.

How Much Do Medical Residents Make?

So, how much do doctors make during residency? According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the average medical resident salary was $66,712 as of July 2024. Before taxes, that’s roughly $5,560 per month.

Medical residents are known to work very long hours. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires hospitals to ensure that residents work no more than 80 hours a week. If you do the math, an annual salary of $66,712 breaks down to $16-$17 an hour if a resident puts in a full 80 hours a week.

Making that money stretch can be a challenge — especially in high cost-of-living areas. To help, here are six tips for getting by (and even thriving) while living on an average resident salary.



💡 Quick Tip: Get flexible terms and competitive rates when you refinance your student loan with SoFi.

How to Get by on a Medical Resident’s Salary

1. Make a Simple Budget

The average resident has little time to keep track of their expenses, but building a simple budget could be the difference between making it work and ending up short. Your first step should be to make a list of all “necessary” spending, such as rent, utilities, transportation, and food.

Next you’ll want to look how much you bring home each month, including your resident’s salary and any additional income from your partner or family support. Then look at how much money you have left over. That’s how much you have to spend on “extras” each month, like dining out, travel, or clothing. You might decide to set spending limits for each category (for example, $100 for eating out) or monitor your spending as the month progresses. Or, you can do both.

2. Consider Personal Preferences and Trade-Offs

A budget can feel like a hassle, but if you set it up right, it can also be freeing. By knowing exactly how much you can spend, you can then decide what’s important for you to prioritize and what you don’t mind cutting out.

Maybe you’ll decide that you want to cut cable, but you don’t want to stop meeting up with friends at your local wine bar. Or perhaps you’ll give up eating out so you can spend more on rent. Making a budget is just analyzing each trade-off. Ask yourself, “Do I want this, or something else?”

3. Focus on Fixed Costs

One substantial way you can make an impact on your budget is by making “big wins” on fixed costs, such as housing, car payments, or utilities. For example, lowering a bill by $20 each month is going to have a bigger effect than saving a few dollars on small purchases. Looking at your own fixed spending, where could you ask for better rates or cut back entirely?

While you’re at it, look at your subscription services and other memberships. Though not often considered a “fixed cost,” they can add up quickly to become a significant expense. When you put them on autopay, it’s easy to forget about them and miss the chance to cancel them each month or year. Take time to go through your credit card statement to make sure you’re not paying for a service that you’re not able to use because you’re so busy.

4. Share a Living Space

When you’re trying to save money, there’s usually no financial win that’s bigger than saving on your housing costs. To do this, you can move into a more affordable place, live with roommates, or rent out a room in your place. Not only can a roommate help you save on rent, but also on utilities like water, electric, and cable.

Some folks don’t like the idea of having roommates because they lose some privacy. But if you’re a busy resident who’s not home very much and is trying to eke by on a small salary, it can be a great way to save money.

5. Choose Less Expensive Transportation

Transportation may be your second biggest expense after housing, especially if you have a car payment. But even if you’ve already paid off the vehicle, you’ll need to cover the cost of car insurance, as well as maintenance and sometimes parking. It can add up.

If you’re living in an area with good public transportation or you’re able to live within walking distance of the hospital, you might want to get rid of your car to save money. In some areas, Uber or Lyft offer a flat-rate, monthly pass option that can be less expensive than owning and maintaining a car.

If you’re not ready to sell your car quite yet, simply try using it less. Even this small act may save you money each month. For example, if you’re spending $120 per month on gas but could ride public transportation for $30 per month, you may save over $1,000 on transportation in a year.

6. Cook at Home

While it may be unreasonable to think that a medical resident will cook every meal, it may be worth taking a few hours each week to make a batch of meals that you can eat throughout the week. Preparing meals and eating at home could potentially save residents hundreds of dollars a month.

Another Option: Refinance Medical School Loans

Like most people who attended medical school, there’s a very likely chance you took out student loans. Managing these loans while you’re living on an average resident salary may be important for your financial success.

It is important to understand your medical school loan repayment strategies. One of the first decisions you may want to make is whether you want your loans to go into forbearance or to make payments on your loans during residency.

Student loan forbearance may seem like an ideal option for a person on a medical resident salary, but that might not always be the case. Federal medical school student loans accrue interest during that time, and that interest is added to your balance at the end of your forbearance period. This is called compounding, or capitalization, and means that you’re paying interest on top of interest.

You may want to consider refinancing your medical resident student loans. Refinancing is the process of paying off one loan (or many loans) with another, generally to lower your overall interest rate or to change the terms of your loan.

Refinancing student loans won’t be for everyone, as you will lose access to federal loan programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and income-driven repayment plans.

Refinancing student loans won’t be for everyone, as you will lose access to federal loan programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and income-driven repayment plans.

💡 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.

The Takeaway

Despite the relatively low pay compared to fully licensed physicians, residency is an important phase that offers invaluable training and experience. It’s important for residents to manage their finances wisely, considering the long-term benefits of their education and the potential for higher earnings in the future.

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

What is the average salary for medical residents in the United States?

The average salary for medical residents in the United States typically ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on factors such as the year of residency, specialty, and location.

How does the salary of a medical resident compare to that of a fully licensed physician?

Medical residents generally earn significantly less than fully licensed physicians. For example, while a resident might make between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, a practicing physician can earn anywhere from $150,000 to over $400,000 per year, depending on their specialty and experience.

What factors can influence the salary of a medical resident?

Several factors can influence a medical resident’s salary, including the year of residency (PGY-1 to PGY-4), the specialty they are pursuing, the geographic location of the hospital or institution, and the specific hospital or program they are affiliated with.


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.

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.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Can You Refinance Defaulted Student Loans?

Refinancing defaulted student loans can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Almost 43 million borrowers have federal student loan debt and owe, on average, $39,075. As recent graduates begin their careers, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to make monthly student loan payments.

Ignoring your payments may seem like an easy way out, but student loan default can have extreme consequences. If you’re struggling with student loan payments or are already in default, there are ways to recover.

Keep reading to learn more on what to do if your student loans are in default, and whether refinancing defaulted student loans is an option.

Key Points

•   Most lenders avoid refinancing loans that are in default due to the high risk, but there are steps you can take to improve your chances.

•   Before refinancing, consider rehabilitation or consolidation to get your loans out of default, which can make you eligible for refinancing.

•   To increase your odds of qualifying for a refinance, work to resolve the default status, have a good credit score, and meet other financial criteria.

•   Refinancing can potentially lower your interest rate and monthly payments, making it easier to manage your debt.

•   Consulting with a financial advisor or student loan expert can provide guidance and help you navigate the best options for your specific situation.

What Is Student Loan Default?

If you’re in student loan default, it means you have failed to make payments on your student loans for several months in a row.

Federal student loans are considered delinquent once you miss a student loan payment. After 90 days of delinquency, your loan servicer can report the missed payments to the three major credit bureaus. Generally, after 270 days of nonpayment, your loan will go into default.

If you have private student loans, they can go into default even sooner. Typically, after you miss three payments (or 120 days), your private student loans go into default. Different lenders have different terms when it comes to default, however, so be sure to check with yours to get the specifics.

How Common Is Defaulting on Student Loans?

Defaulting on student loans is fairly common. The latest data from EducationData.org finds that one in 10 student loan borrowers has defaulted on a loan. In fact, roughly 5.3 million borrowers are in default (as of 2025), and about 6.24% of loans are in default at any given time. As of 2021, the median loan balance among delinquent and defaulted borrowers was $15,307.

What Are the Consequences of Student Loan Default?

Defaulting on your student loans can have some steep consequences. For starters, the entire balance of your student loans could become due in full.

If you default on your student loans, your lender may eventually turn your debt over to a collection agency who will usually start calling, emailing, and even texting you to try and collect on your debt. You may even have to pay collection fees on top of the debt.

If you default, you may lose eligibility for programs that could help you manage your debt, such as deferment, forbearance, or Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Once your student loans are in default, your loan servicer or collection agency will report your default to the three major credit bureaus, which will negatively impact your credit score.

And if your servicer can’t collect the money you owe on your federal student loans, they can ask the federal government to garnish a portion of your wages or your tax refund.

How Can You Recover From Student Loan Default?

If you failed to make payments on your student loans and they’ve gone into default, you don’t have to let it ruin your financial future. Here are some steps you can take to get back on track.

Loan Rehabilitation

One option for getting out of student loan default is student loan rehabilitation. To rehabilitate your loan, you work with your loan servicer and agree in writing to make nine reasonable and affordable monthly payments over a period of 10 months.

In order to rehabilitate a Direct Loan or FFEL program loan, your monthly payments must be no more than 20 days late. Your loan servicer will determine the new monthly payment, which is 15% of your discretionary income.

When you have successfully rehabilitated your loan, the default may be wiped from your credit history. Note that any late payments reported to the credit bureaus before the loan went into default will remain on your credit reports.

Under Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, borrowers can rehabilitate defaulted loans twice (up from once), and for new loans, the minimum monthly payment during rehabilitation is $10.

Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS)

Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) are typically nonprofit organizations that offer free or low-cost counseling, education, and debt repayment services to help people regain control of their finances and make a plan to get out of debt.

If you’ve defaulted on your student loans, a credit counselor can help by analyzing your financial situation and student debt, laying out all the options for student loan debt relief, and helping you choose the best path forward.

One word of caution: Credit counseling agencies are not the same thing as debt settlement companies, which are profit-driven businesses that often charge steep fees for results that are rarely guaranteed. Even if they are successful in reducing your debt, their fees (plus the unpaid interest and late payment charges on the debt) can add to what you initially owed, reducing your actual savings.

Repaying Your Loan in Full

Another option to get out from under the shadow of student loan default is to repay your loans in full. Of course, if you had the funds to do so, you probably wouldn’t have defaulted in the first place. That said, you could look into ways to cover the balance due, such as borrowing from a family member or close friend.

Options for Private Student Loans

If you have private student loans that are in default, you can contact your lender and see what possibilities are available. Some lenders may have hardship options similar to federal programs. As mentioned, the time it will take for your unpaid private loan to go into default depends on the lender — but the timeframe could be relatively short, even just 120 days.

However, if you’ve only recently missed a payment, you can start making payments again (and repay the missed payment) to try to prevent your loan from going into default.

Is Refinancing an Option for Defaulted Student Loans?

If your student loans are currently in default, refinancing your loans can be difficult. When you refinance your student loans, you take out a new loan with a private lender to pay off the existing loans. When you apply for a refinancing loan, lenders will use your credit score and financial history, among a few other factors, to determine if you qualify.

How to Increase Your Chances of Refinancing Defaulted Student Loans

If your loan is already in default, your credit score has likely decreased significantly and will likely impact your ability to get approved for a new loan. If you have a family member or friend who is willing to cosign the loan, however, you may be able to refinance your student loans that way.

Another possibility for refinancing your student loans would be to rehabilitate your loans first. A lot of lenders might turn you down for having a defaulted loan on your credit history, but others might be willing to look past that and onto your education and income potential to approve you for a loan.

And finally, you can work to build your credit score. Paying bills on time, reducing credit card balances, and addressing any negative marks on your credit report can boost your score and make you a more attractive candidate to lenders.

Recommended: A Guide to Refinancing Student Loans

Can you Consolidate Defaulted Student Loans?

Another way to recover from student loan default is to consolidate your student loans in default. If you have federal loans, you can pursue defaulted student loan consolidation with the Direct Consolidation Loan program. This program allows you to combine one or more federal loans into a new consolidation loan.

To be eligible, you must either make three full, on-time, and consecutive payments on the defaulted loan or agree to make payments on an income-driven repayment plan.

Private student loans aren’t eligible for Direct Consolidation Loans. However, you can consolidate these loans with a private lender by refinancing.

Tips for Consolidating Defaulted Student Loans

To consolidate federal student loans, first gather all the documents you need. This includes your personal information such as your name, address, email, Social Security number, and FSA ID; financial information such as your income; and details about your loans, including amounts, account numbers, and loan servicers.

Next, go to studentaid.gov to fill out the Direct Consolidation Loan application. You’ll need your FSA ID to log in. Specify the loans you want to consolidate.

Then, choose one of the income-driven repayment plans if that’s the option you prefer. Review the plans in advance to determine which one is the best option for you.

Filling out the application typically takes less than 30 minutes.

Recommended: What Is a Direct Consolidation Loan?

Pros and Cons of Student Loan Consolidation

Choosing to consolidate defaulted student loans has advantages and disadvantages you’ll want to weigh before you move forward.

Advantages include:

•   One loan and one monthly bill. This means there will be less for you to keep track of.

•   Lower payments. When you consolidate, you can choose an income-driven repayment plan or choose to lengthen the term of your loan, which could lower your monthly payments. (Note: You may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you extend your term.)

•   Fixed interest rate. You’ll get a fixed interest rate for the life of your loans with Direct Loan Consolidation. The new rate is a weighted average of all your federal loan rates, rounded to the nearest eighth of a percent.

•   Access to forgiveness programs. With a Direct Consolidation Loan, you might be able to get access to programs you weren’t eligible for previously, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Disadvantages include:

•   Longer repayment period. You could end up repaying your loans for an extra year or two, which will cost you more overall.

•   Pay more in interest over the life of the loan. With consolidation, the outstanding interest on your loans is added to the principal balance, and interest may accrue on that higher balance.

•   Possible loss of benefits. Consolidating loans other than Direct Loans could mean giving up perks you have with those loans, such as rebates or interest rate discounts.

Below is a comparison chart of the pros and cons of student loan consolidation.

Pros of Student Loan Consolidation Cons of Student Loan Consolidation
Simplified payments with just one bill to pay each month. Longer repayment period means paying more overall.
Monthly payments may be lower. Pay more in interest over the term of the loan.
Fixed interest rate. Could lose benefits associated with current student loans.
Possible access to certain forgiveness programs.

How to Manage Student Loans Without Going Into Default

If you’re struggling to make student loan payments but haven’t yet defaulted on your loan, taking action now could help prevent financial issues in the future. Here are some options that could help you take control of your student loan debt and avoid going into default.

Forbearance or Deferment

If you’re unable to make payments on your student loans due to a sudden and temporary economic change, you might consider applying for student loan deferment or forbearance. Both allow you to temporarily pause your loan payments.

If your loans are in forbearance, which is currently granted for 12 months at a time, you will be responsible for paying accrued interest during the forbearance period. If your loans are placed in deferment, which can last up to three years, you may not be responsible for accrued interest during the deferment period, depending on the type of loan you hold.

While your loans are in deferment or forbearance, you do have the option to make interest-only payments on the loan. If you choose not to, the accrued interest on most loans will be capitalized, or added to the principal balance. You’ll then be charged interest based on the larger loan amount.

Note that under Trump’s new One Big Beautiful Bill, for loans made after July 1, 2027, borrowers are no longer eligible for deferments based on unemployment or economic hardship. Forbearance is also capped at nine months instead of 12 months in any 24-month period, decreasing federal flexibility for struggling borrowers.

Apply for Income-Driven Repayment (IDR)

Another option to help manage your student loans is income-driven repayment. Depending on the type of plan you qualify for, your monthly payments will be anywhere from 10% to 20% of your discretionary income.

Income-driven repayment plans also stretch out the repayment term of the loan to either 20 or 25 years, depending on the specific plan. This means that while you could pay less per month, income-driven repayment could cost you more in interest over the life of the loan. The good news is that if you have any remaining debt at the end of the term, it will be forgiven (but you may need to pay income taxes on the canceled amount).

Starting July 1, 2026, borrowers must switch to the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan or the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP). The other three income-driven repayment plans will cease to exist by July 1, 2028.

The Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) is a new income-driven repayment plan that’s based on borrowers’ adjusted gross income (AGI), with a $50 monthly reduction per dependent. The RAP plan provides cancellation after 30 years of payments.

The Takeaway

Refinancing defaulted student loans can be a complex process, but it is not impossible. While most lenders are hesitant to refinance loans in default, exploring options like rehabilitation or consolidation can help get your loans back on track.

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

Does consolidating student loans remove default?

Consolidating student loans can remove the default status if you consolidate through a Direct Consolidation Loan. This new loan pays off your defaulted loans and resets your payment history, allowing you to start fresh. However, the default is not removed from your credit report.

Can you consolidate defaulted student loans?

Yes, you can consolidate defaulted student loans. If you have federal loans, you can consolidate them with Direct Loan Consolidation. To be eligible, you must either make three full, on-time, and consecutive payments on the defaulted loan or agree to make payments on an income-driven repayment plan. You can fill out an application at StudentAid.gov.

Can you refinance student loans that are in default?

You can refinance student loans that are in default, but it may be difficult. That’s because your credit score has likely decreased, which may impact your ability to get approved for refinancing. If you have a family member or friend who is willing to cosign the loan, you may be able to refinance your student loans that way. Or, you could rehabilitate your loans first, which could help improve your odds of being approved for refinancing.


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.

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.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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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Should You Make Weekly, Biweekly, or Monthly Student Loan Payments?

Back when you signed up for your first federal student loan, you might have been grateful to learn you had 10 years or more to pay the money back. A longer loan term typically comes with smaller monthly payments — and that can be helpful when you’re just starting out and trying to make ends meet.

Once you’re feeling steadier on your feet financially, though, the idea of dumping that debt a little sooner than planned can be tempting. One way to do that is by adjusting the frequency of your student loan payments. You can make extra student loan payments each month beyond your minimum required payment.

Below we explore the merits of making weekly student loan payments vs. biweekly or monthly student loan payments.

Key Points

•   Making weekly or biweekly student loan payments can help pay off debt faster and reduce total interest costs.

•   Extra payments should be applied to the loan principal to maximize savings and avoid early payment being counted toward future minimums.

•   Biweekly payments align with many payroll schedules and can result in an extra full payment each year.

•   Alternative repayment strategies include adding small extra amounts monthly, making lump sum payments, or refinancing for better terms.

•   Income-driven repayment plans may be a better option for those struggling with federal student loan payments.

How Do Weekly Student Loan Payments Work?

You can make weekly student loan payments through automated or manual payments every seven days. Both federal and private student loans typically require minimum monthly payments, but you can make extra payments above that amount if you wish.

If you’re required to pay $300 per month on student debt, for example, you could instead pay $100 each week. Paying at that rate would accelerate your loan payments, meaning you may pay your debt off faster and reduce your total interest costs over the life of the loan.

Here’s another example of how weekly student loan payments can work:

Let’s say a recent graduate has a monthly student loan payment of $400. That’s $4,800 a year. Now that she’s working, she realizes she can pay a little more every month. If she splits that $400 into $100 weekly student loan payments, over the course of the year she’ll pay $5,200 instead of $4,800. That’s equal to a whole extra payment for the year that can reduce her interest costs over the life of the loan.

What’s an Extra Student Loan Payment?

An extra student loan payment is when you pay more than the required amount due on your monthly billing statement. You can make extra student loan payments if you wish, but it’s important that everyone is on board regarding how those extra payments should be applied.

When you apply for student loans, you may take out multiple education loans to help cover your tuition and related expenses. You can instruct your lender to put extra payments toward principal reduction, not the next month’s payment. It may be possible to do this electronically by logging into your account and selecting how the extra amount should be allocated.

As a borrower, you can consider different repayment options. If you determine that making extra payments is right for you and your budget, you can ask your lender or loan servicer to allocate your extra payments to your higher interest loans first.

Student loan refinancing may be another way to reduce your total interest costs.


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

Are You Ready for Accelerated Payments?

Just about every financial strategy has pros and cons, and that applies to accelerated payments. There are a few scenarios when making extra loan payments wouldn’t necessarily be in a borrower’s best interest.

If a person is carrying $50,000 in high-interest credit card debt, for example, that debt may take priority over a student loan with a lower interest rate.

Another priority could be building an emergency fund first to handle unexpected costs — from car repairs to medical bills.

You have no obligation to pay extra, but borrowers are expected to repay their student loans when due. Missing payments could damage your credit score and eventually lead to default.

Recommended: How to Pay Off $100K in Student Loans

Benefits of Paying Student Loans Biweekly

Reduce Total Interest Costs

Making loan payments biweekly instead of monthly can accelerate the payoff of the student debt and reduce your total interest costs over the life of the loan. Paying student loans biweekly may be right for you if you’re interested in paying more than your required amount due each month.

You Can Align Payments with Your Paycheck

Aligning payment frequency with an employer’s payroll schedule (whether it’s weekly or biweekly) may help with budgeting and ensuring money is in the right bank account when your payment is due. If you’re making weekly or biweekly payments, it’s critical that you cover at least the required amount due by your scheduled due date to avoid any penalties.

You Can Rely on Autopay to Deduct Your Payment

If that seems like too much extra work and worry, autopay (also called direct debit) might be a solution to staying on top of payments. The U.S. Department of Education does not charge prepayment penalties on federal student loans, and federal law prohibits prepayment penalties on private student loans.

Whether you have federal or private student debt, paying off your education loans sooner rather than later can minimize your total interest costs without penalty.

Alternatives to Accelerated Payments

For those who aren’t quite ready to move into an accelerated payment plan, there are alternative methods that can help with getting ahead of student debt.

Pay More When You Can

To try a test run, you could divide your current monthly payment by 12 and add that amount to each payment whenever possible. For example, a $400 monthly payment would be about $33 extra a month, but when times are tight, you could send the regular amount.

Another approach might be to put lump sums of extra money toward loan payments spontaneously but whenever possible. (If you get a tax refund, for instance, or receive a bonus at work.)

Consolidate Your Loans

You could also look at a federal Direct Consolidation Loan, which allows you to combine your federal education loans into a single loan with one payment. That can make repayment more manageable, but because it’s a government program, it doesn’t include private loans. And a federal consolidation loan usually increases the period of time the borrower has to repay the loans, which means one could end up paying more in interest.

Refinance Your Loans

If you have a stable income and solid credit, you might want to look at combining all of your student loans into a new loan with one manageable payment by refinancing with a private lender. Note that refinancing federal loans means losing eligibility for federal repayment plans, forgiveness programs, and other benefits.


💡 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.

Use an Income-Driven Repayment Plan

Making weekly or biweekly student loan payments may not be right for everyone. If you cannot afford voluntary extra payments on federal student loans, you may consider enrolling into a federal income-driven repayment (IDR) plan. Private student loans are not eligible for IDR plans.

Your current options for income-driven repayment are the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan, Pay As You Earn (PAYE) plan, and Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) plan. All these plans adjust your payments based on your income and extend your terms to 20 or 25 years.

The IBR plan can also end in loan forgiveness eventually. Due to recent legislation, the PAYE and ICR plans will shut down by July 2028. The IBR plan will remain an option for current borrowers. Current and new borrowers will also be able to access the new Repayment Assistance Plan starting in July 2026.

Pros and Cons of Student Loan Refinancing

Refinancing student loans has both pros and cons. Here are some potential advantages:

•   Lower interest rate: The primary benefit is reducing your interest rate. This can reduce your monthly payment and lead to major savings over the life of your loan.

•   New repayment terms: You can choose new terms, often between five and 20 years. A shorter term can accelerate repayment, while a longer term will make your monthly student loan bills more affordable (but probably increase your interest costs).

•   Combining multiple loans into one: You can refinance multiple loans into a single new loan, which could simplify repayment.

Some potential downsides of refinancing include:

•   Lose eligibility for federal repayment plans: Refinancing federal loans into a private loan means you’ll no longer qualify for federal repayment options like income-driven repayment.

•   Forfeit access to federal loan forgiveness: If you refinance federal loans, you’ll also no longer be able to get forgiveness from an IDR plan or the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

•   Pay more interest if you extend your loan term: If you add years to your repayment term, you’ll likely end up with higher interest charges in the long run.

Weigh the pros and cons of student loan refinancing carefully to determine whether it’s the right path for you.

Recommended: Should I Refinance My Federal Student Loans?

The Takeaway

Choosing the right payment frequency for your student loan can significantly impact your financial well-being and the speed at which you pay off your debt. Whether you opt for weekly, biweekly, or monthly payments, the key is to find a schedule that aligns with your budget and financial goals.

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

How can making weekly or biweekly payments benefit you?

Making weekly or biweekly payments can help you pay off your student loans faster and reduce the total interest you pay over the life of the loan. This is because you end up making the equivalent of one extra monthly payment each year, which can significantly decrease your loan balance.

Can making more frequent payments affect your credit score?

While making more frequent payments doesn’t directly impact your credit score, it can indirectly help build it by reducing your overall debt more quickly. This can lower your credit utilization ratio and demonstrate responsible financial behavior, which are positive factors for your credit score.

What should you consider when deciding on a payment frequency?

When deciding on a payment frequency, consider your budget, cash flow, and financial goals. Ensure that the chosen frequency is sustainable and doesn’t strain your finances. It’s also a good idea to check with your loan servicer to understand any specific requirements or benefits associated with different payment frequencies.



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.

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.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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