student_loan Archives

Jul

2025

What to Do After You Graduate From Law School

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

Life after law school can be an exciting time as you look forward to your new career. There are plenty of opportunities available to those with a JD. Some avenues to consider include practicing law at a firm; specializing as an attorney in a field like patents, contracts, immigration (and many more); working as general counsel in-house at a corporation; or even pursuing a career in government.

The path you choose depends on the type of law you studied, your interests, and your past experiences. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for lawyers in 2024 was $151,160 annually.

Once you find your first post-law school gig, you will also likely have to start thinking about repaying any law school student loans.

Key Points

• Career paths after law school include working at a law firm, clerking for a judge, pursuing an advanced degree, or transitioning into non-legal careers like politics, journalism, or lobbying.

• Law school graduates often carry significant student loan debt, with an average of $130,000, making repayment strategies a key financial priority.

• Making interest payments while still in school can help reduce total loan costs and prevent interest from accruing.

• Budgeting effectively post-graduation can help balance savings, emergency funds, credit card payments, and student loan repayment.

• Refinancing law school loans may lower interest rates and simplify payments, but it removes access to federal benefits like income-driven repayment and loan forgiveness programs.

Finding Jobs After Law School

After getting a law degree, what to do really depends on why you decided to go to law school in the first place. Did you have dreams of working at a major law firm, becoming a public defender, or going solo with your own practice?

Maybe you’ve decided you no longer want to practice law and would rather apply your new skills to a relevant career or continue to further your education. If you are considering what to do after law school, you can start by examining what workplace environment you find the most exciting and attainable.

Landing at a Law Firm

A law firm is an obvious choice for where to work after getting your JD. But the size, location, and culture of the law firm can greatly impact your experience and job satisfaction. Attorneys working at smaller firms may offer stronger partnership prospects than larger law firms. However, depending on location, the pay could be comparatively lower, and your training may come in the form of on-the-job experience.

While the path to promotion may be longer at a larger firm, they may have more resources and a higher salary. Depending on your preferences and career interests, a major law firm with a big name might be a better fit to help you find your specialty.

Considering a Clerkship

A clerkship is an important career milestone for many attorneys. Usually taking place under the guidance of a certain judge, a clerkship allows law school graduates to see the inner workings of the legal system. Many are considered prestigious resume boosters and offer valuable first-hand experience working under a judge and a leg up on networking from the start.

There are federal and state court clerkships, but federal opportunities like with Supreme Court or circuit court judges can be more difficult to secure because of their prestige. However, state clerkships can also be beneficial, especially if you plan on practicing in the local area.

Getting an Advanced Degree

If you have a desire to specialize in a specific field of law, staying in school to get a post-JD degree is another avenue to consider after getting a law degree.

You might want to pursue this type of degree after having some relevant work experience, which can help you first figure out what particular field of law you want to study. These specialty degrees include Air and Space Law, Sports Law, Global Food Law, Cannabis Law, and more.

Alternative Careers Outside Law

Pivoting after law school to a different career is another option to consider when looking at jobs. If you, like many, have graduated with six-figures worth of student loan debt, you’ll obviously want to find a steady job so you can make regular student loan payments.

Other jobs that may fit with the skill set you curated in law school may include political advisor, journalist, lobbyist, and teacher.

Tackling Law School Debt

Depending on your earning potential and chosen career path, it might make sense for you to aggressively pay off your law school debt in 10 years or less.

Another option is to try to maximize your law school loan forgiveness opportunities.

In order to make your degree count towards your personal and professional goals, figuring out how to approach your debt is a key part of what to do after law school.

Ready to tackle your law school debt?
Refinancing your student loans
could help you pay it off faster.

Making Payments While Still in School

While the government does not require you to make payments on most federal student loans while still in school, you could consider paying the amount of student loan interest that builds up each month to help keep your student loan debt from growing.

Whether you need to pick up a side hustle or prioritize how much you save, making at least interest-only payments on your student loans while still in school can help reduce the amount of interest that will accrue on your student loans. This can ultimately reduce the amount of interest that accrues and help set you up for success after law school.

Sticking to Budget Basics

After your law degree, it can be wise to take stock of your budget and work to balance your goals for savings, emergency funds, credit card payments, and student loans. The average student loan debt from law school currently sits at $130,000, so you’ll want to prioritize making a plan to get these paid off as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Ultimately, you’ll likely want to pick a student loan repayment plan that works for your personal budget, no matter what jobs after law school you are considering. You may decide to pay down debt while also building up a basic emergency fund as part of your financial foundation.

Refinancing Law School Loans

Refinancing your law school loans means that a private lender will issue one new loan that pays off your existing federal and/or private student loans. This new loan comes with new terms, ideally with a lower interest rate or shorter repayment period. Instead of paying multiple student loans, such as from undergraduate and graduate school, there is only one new loan to pay off.

While there are many advantages to student loan refinancing, be aware that refinancing federal loans means that you will not be able to take advantage of benefits like income-driven repayment plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness. So it may not make sense if you are taking advantage of one of these benefits or plan to in the future.

The Takeaway

Life after law school can mean something different for everyone. Whether you pursue a private practice, family law at a small firm, or corporate law at a large one, there are many career opportunities to pursue as you pay off your student loan debt.

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 next step after graduating law school?

There are many career opportunities available after graduating law school, including joining a law firm, doing a clerkship with a state or federal judge, getting an advanced degree to specialize in a specific type of law, or switching to a different career in which you can use the skills you learned in law school, such as a teacher, a political advisor, or a lobbyist.

What jobs can you get if you graduate law school?

Jobs you can get after you graduate law school include working at a small or large law firm, becoming a clerk to a state or federal judge, landing a position as in-house counsel at a corporation, or working for the government or a nonprofit. To help decide which path is right for you, consider your interests and career goals.

What field of law pays the most?

Typically, the highest-paid lawyers specialize in such areas as corporate law, tax law, intellectual property law, medical malpractice, and entertainment law.

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.

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.

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

SOSLR-Q225-068

Jul

2025

What Is College Tuition Reimbursement?

By Austin Kilham | Building Your Career, Financial Independence, Student Loans, student_loan, Terminology | No Comments

If you’re working and want to continue school but aren’t sure how to fund it, your employer may offer assistance. This is called tuition reimbursement, and it’s how many companies help employees pay for continuing their education. Tuition reimbursement programs are growing in popularity as companies work to attract and retain employees.

What is tuition reimbursement? It’s when companies offer programs to help employees pay for a portion of their educational costs. These programs vary by company. Some may only cover course costs if your continuing education is related to your job. Others may require employees to remain with the company for a certain period of time after completing their degree.

If you’re wondering, how does tuition reimbursement work?, read on to learn about the process of tuition reimbursement and find out the requirements involved.

Table of Contents

What Is Tuition Reimbursement?
Tuition Reimbursement Requirements
Tuition Reimbursement and the FAFSA®
Is Tuition Reimbursement Taxable?
What Are Other Options to Lower Education Costs?

Key Points

• Tuition reimbursement is an employee benefit where companies cover part or all of an employee’s educational costs, helping them pursue further education while working.

• Eligibility for tuition reimbursement often includes specific requirements, such as maintaining a minimum GPA and completing relevant coursework, with reimbursement typically occurring after course completion.

• Employers offer tuition reimbursement to attract and retain talent, as it equips employees with skills that can be beneficial to the company.

• Receiving tuition reimbursement does not prevent individuals from applying for federal financial aid, but it may affect the amount of aid offered.

• Tax implications exist for tuition reimbursement, with the first $5,250 being tax-free; amounts above this limit are considered taxable income for employees.

What Is Tuition Reimbursement?

Tuition reimbursement, or tuition assistance, is an arrangement where an employer pays for part or all of an employee’s continuing education whether an undergraduate degree or graduate school.

How does tuition reimbursement work? Your employment contract may lay out the terms of the tuition reimbursement, including how much of your tuition your company will cover, what courses qualify, any minimum GPA requirements, and the minimum time period you must be employed by the company.

Tuition reimbursement is often offered as an employee benefit on top of a salary package, along with other benefits like health insurance, a 401(k), or transportation expenses.

This is different from student loan repayment assistance, when your company provides some amount of money toward student loans you already have.

Not every company offers tuition reimbursement, but many large ones do provide reimbursement or financial support for continuing education. Some companies may stipulate that courses must relate to your current work.

Why Companies Offer Tuition Reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement is a perk that helps a company attract and retain employees, while also benefiting the company itself, since the courses you take may provide skills or knowledge you can put into practice at work.

Some companies are upping their educational benefits as a way to stay competitive. They may offer a range of benefits to their employees like programs for refinancing student loans and student loan contributions.

Not sure if your employer offers tuition reimbursement? Check with your HR representative to see what options are available.

Tuition Reimbursement Requirements

The specifics of each company’s tuition reimbursement policy are likely laid out in an employment contract, but it’s common for a company to offer a tuition reimbursement only in accordance with certain eligibility requirements.

You’ll probably have to sign up and pay for the courses yourself first, so you’ll want to budget appropriately. In most cases you’ll need to pay for your courses out of pocket and then provide proof of completion and your grades in order to be reimbursed.

Program requirements

Your employer may limit its reimbursement program to certain institutions. For example, they may provide a list of accredited institutions you can choose from. Or they require that you attend a four-year program.

Coursework Requirements

Your company may reimburse you only for classes pertaining to your current job description.

Other times, companies will approve courses focused on moving you into a management role or on gaining skills you can put toward other future roles or assignments. For example, if you work in project management for a large corporation and are interested in learning how to use data visualization, you might be able to take community college courses in data production and visual graphics.

After understanding what courses qualify for tuition reimbursement, you could then look over the other requirements. For example, there may be minimum GPA or attendance requirements.

Timeframe Requirements

Sometimes a company will also require you to continue working with them for a set amount of time, since they’ve invested in your education and don’t want you to take those new skills to a competitor.

Tuition Reimbursement and the FAFSA®

An employer’s tuition reimbursement program doesn’t preclude you from filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) application. In most scenarios, an employer is unlikely to cover 100% of tuition costs, and you may still qualify for aid in the form of federal loans and grants.

That said, you will be asked to note how much you are reimbursed for, which may have an effect on how much financial aid you’re offered.

Is Tuition Reimbursement Taxable?

While you should always consult with a licensed tax professional regarding the current tax law, and in no way should any of this information be considered tax advice, the IRS’ website currently states that employers can deduct the cost of tuition reimbursement (up to $5,250 per employee annually). It’s a business expense for them. The IRS website also states that the first $5,250 of tuition reimbursement isn’t considered taxable income for employees. However, anything above that counts as part of your taxable wages and salary. Again, talking to a tax professional is always recommended.

The IRS does have some requirements on tax-free educational assistance benefits — which are not necessarily the same requirements your employer has.

Typically, for the IRS to consider tuition assistance as tax-free, it should be used to pay for tuition, fees, textbooks, supplies, or equipment.

And typically, it can’t be used for meals, lodging, transportation, or any equipment you keep after the course. It’s also not applicable to sports, games, or hobbies — unless they’re a degree requirement or you can prove they’re related to your employer’s business.

Again, consult with an accountant or tax attorney to get the complete picture.

What Are Other Options to Lower Education Costs?

The average cost of attending a four-year public college as an in-state student during the 2022-23 school year was $10,950, and that price tag only goes up for private schools and out-of-state students.

Federal Student Aid

For those who do not qualify for employer offered tuition reimbursement, there are other options that could be worth considering. As mentioned above, students can fill out FAFSA annually. This allows them to apply for all types of federal student aid, including scholarships and grants, work-study, and federal student loans.

Private Student Loans

Beyond that, some individuals may consider private student loans.

While one of the basics of student loans is that they offer students the opportunity to finance their education, private student loans don’t have the same borrower protections, like income-driven repayment plans, that are afforded to federal student loans. For this reason, they are most often considered only after all other options.

Recommended: Private Student Loans Guide

Refinancing Existing Student Loans

If you already have student loans, when it comes time to repay, you could consider refinancing to a lower interest rate, if you qualify. One of the advantages of refinancing student loans is that it could help you reduce the amount of money paid in interest over the total life of the loan; refinancing at a lower monthly payment could help with budgeting in the short term. However, lowering monthly payments is frequently the result of extending the loan term, which will result in increased cost over the life of the loan.

It’s important to know that federal student loans come with benefits such as income-driven repayment plans and deferment or forbearance options. Refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for these programs and protections.

The Takeaway

Employers who offer tuition reimbursement programs will typically cover a portion of tuition costs if the employee meets specific program eligibility requirements. These requirements vary by company, but may include things like maintaining a minimum GPA, doing certain coursework, and stipulations around the length of employment.

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

Learn more about refinancing your student loans with SoFi.

FAQ

What does college tuition reimbursement mean?

With college tuition reimbursement, an employer pays for all or some of an employee’s continuing education. The employer typically has specific terms and conditions, such as the amount of tuition the company will cover, what courses qualify, minimum GPA requirements, and the amount of time you must be employed by the company in order to qualify.

Is tuition reimbursement a good idea?

For employees, tuition reimbursement is an employee benefit and is generally a good thing. It provides employees with financial assistance to attend school, which can save them a significant amount of money. It also allows them the opportunity to gain skills to help advance in their career. In return, the employee typically must remain with the company for a certain amount of time and meet certain other specific eligibility criteria, depending on the company.

Do I have to pay back tuition reimbursement?

As long as you meet the terms and conditions of the tuition reimbursement agreement, you should not have to pay back tuition reimbursement. However, if you leave the company voluntarily before the specified timeframe, you may be required to repay the money. Read the terms of the agreement carefully beforehand.

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).

SOSLR-Q225-067

Jul

2025

A three-dimensional light blue percentage sign with a long shadow stands on a solid coral background.

The History of Federal Student Loan Interest Rates

By Matthew Zeitlin | Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off

More than two out of three of recent college students took out loans to help cover the costs of furthering their education — averaging $38,375 per borrower in federal student loan debt alone.

When it comes to paying back student loans, both the total amount borrowed (i.e., the principal) and the interest rates (i.e., the percentage charged on top of the principal) can shape how much a borrower ends up shelling out over the life of the loan.

Keep reading to learn more on how current rates compare to the recent history of student loan rates.

Key Points

• Federal student loan interest rates have fluctuated over the years, influenced by legislative changes and economic conditions.

• Federal loans have fixed interest rates, which provide predictability, while private loans may offer variable rates that can change over time.

• Congress sets the interest rates for federal student loans annually, often adjusting them based on the 10-year Treasury note rate.

• Interest rates can vary depending on whether the borrower is an undergraduate, graduate, or parent, with different rates for each category.

• While federal rates are fixed by law, private lenders offer varying fixed or variable rates based on borrower credit profiles—often higher than federal benchmarks.

A Look Back at Student Loan Interest Rates

While the cost of attending college has steadily gone up, the history of student loan interest rates shows both ups and downs. For instance, the 2020-21 federal loan rates for undergraduates were 2.75% — compared to 4.29% five years prior.

For the 2025-26 school year, fixed interest rates on Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans for undergraduate students are 6.39%.

A wide variety of educational loans are available to eligible students — including subsidized and unsubsidized federal ones and those handled by private lenders.

Interest rates for different loans change over time. The U.S. government plays a major role in shaping the student loan landscape by setting fixed interest rates each year on federal loans, which can impact the total amount a borrower ends up paying back.

To understand the history of student loan interest rates, it can be helpful to zoom out and take a wide-lens view of the student loan landscape in the U.S.

The U.S. federal government is the major player in student lending—with $1.693 trillion in federal student loan debt owed by 42.7 million borrowers.

Understanding US Student Debt

Of the $18.2 trillion in outstanding household debt, almost $1.7 trillion comes from student debt — that totals more than what Americans owe for cars or credit card debt, respectively.

Besides mortgages, student loan debt accounts for the largest form of household debt. More than 92% of all outstanding student loans are federal student loans, making the student loan interest rate set by the federal government a significant factor for millions of student borrowers.

Private student loans tend to be set according to a combination of prevailing interest rates and the lender’s projection of the student’s ability to pay, whereas federal student loan rates can be shaped, in part, by something even more confusing than the fine print on a financial statement: politics.

Federal student loans are fixed interest (but the rates are adjusted annually), while private lenders often provide both fixed-rate and variable-interest loans.

Here’s an overview of federal student loan rates and some changes they’ve seen:

Federal Student Loans

Federal student loans represent the lion’s share of student lending. But, there’s more than one type of federal student loan. There are a variety of federal educational loans with different student loan interest rates that, historically, have changed with time — from subsidized to unsubsidized, from undergraduate to graduate.

Current federally owned student loans include Direct Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and Parent Plus Loans.

Direct Loans

Direct Consolidation Loans are responsible for the majority of federal student lending. Issued by the U.S. Department of Education, these loans include both subsidized and unsubsidized student loans.

Direct Subsidized Loans are for undergraduate borrowers who can demonstrate financial need. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are not based on need and can be used by undergraduate and graduate students. There are also Direct PLUS Loans for graduate students and parents of students.

Direct Loans for the 2025-26 school year have a fixed interest rate of 6.39% for both Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans — notably higher than the interest set on federal loans in previous years.

As a point of comparison, Direct Loans for the 2019-20 academic year were set at 4.53% for subsidized loans and unsubsidized loans. The year prior (2018-19), that rate was 5.05%.

Additional Types of Federal Student Loans

The other types of Direct Loans are Direct PLUS Loans and Parent PLUS Loans. These both carry interest rates determined through a federal government formula. For the 2020-21 school year, the rate on PLUS Loans was 5.3%, coming down from 7.08% in 2019-20, and 7.6% the year before that. Current Direct PLUS Loans rates for the 2025-26 school year are 8.94%.

The current rate on Parent PLUS Loans for the 2025-26 school year is also 8.94%. All rates for Direct Loans and Parent PLUS Loans are fixed interest rates.

How Are Rates Determined?

Traditionally, federal student loan interest rates have been determined in response to laws passed by the U.S. Congress. According to a piece of legislation from 2013 known as the “Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act,” the rate on Direct Loans is determined by a formula pegged to borrowing cost for government debt.

The first year under this formula produced 3.86% rates on Direct Loans. During the year before, the 2012-13 academic year, subsidized loans were 3.4% and unsubsidized loans were 6.8%. (A 2007 bill had lowered the subsidized rate to 3.4%, but it was due to expire in 2012 and go back to 6.8%.) The bill, which set up the formula currently governing federal student loan rates, was meant to address this snapback to a higher rate.

Before the legislation passed, Congress directly set the student loan interest rate, with 3.4% rates on subsidized loans and 6.8% on unsubsidized loans for the 2012-13 school year. The 2013 bill also introduced caps that limit how high interest rates could go on the new formula.

The cap for Direct Loans to undergraduates was 8.25%, for graduate student loans it was 9.5%, and for PLUS Loans it was 10.5%. Since 2013, the rates have remained well below the legal caps.

Politics and Student Loans

Today’s rates are governed by a formula that differs for different types of loans.

For undergraduate loans, the formula is the interest rate on one type of government debt at a certain time of year plus 2.05%. (The extra interest is added to cover the cost of deferrals, forbearance, and defaults.) For graduate student loans, it’s that same government debt rate plus 3.6%. And, for PLUS Loans, it’s that rate plus 4.6%.

Put another way, the cost students pay to borrow money from the federal government is determined by the cost the government pays to borrow money — plus a fixed buffer of extra interest, which is intended to reduce the risk to the government of students not being able to pay back their loans.

Recommended: Average Interest Rate for Student Loans

The Takeaway

The interest rates on federal student loans are set by Congress each year and are fixed for the life of the loan. They are determined using a formula tied to the government’s borrowing costs. Currently, federal student loan interest rates for the 2025-26 academic year are 6.39%.

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

FAQ

Did federal student loan interest rates go up?

Federal student loan interest rates can increase or decrease annually based on the 10-year Treasury note rate and legislative changes. To determine if they have gone up, you would need to compare the current rates to those from previous years. Recent trends and economic conditions influence these changes.

What is the typical interest rate on a federal student loan?

The typical interest rate on a federal student loan varies by loan type and borrower. As of the latest data, undergraduate loans are 6.39%, graduate loans are 7.94%, and parent loans are 8.94%. These rates are fixed for the life of the loan.

How are federal student loan interest rates determined?

Federal student loan interest rates are set annually by Congress and are based on the 10-year Treasury note rate plus a fixed margin. Rates vary by loan type and borrower category, such as undergraduate, graduate, or parent loans, and are fixed for the life of the loan.

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.

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

SOSLR-Q225-056

Jul

2025

How to Transfer Student Loans to a Different Lender

By David Wolinsky | Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off

Table of Contents

How to Change Student Loan Lenders
Lenders vs Servicers: What’s the Difference?
Refinancing as Transferring
Doing Your Homework

Shopping around for the best value is tried-and-true advice that extends to most things you can sink money into. It can be especially true in the world of student loans — an economic ecosystem where there are approximately 43 million borrowers holding more than $1.7 trillion in debt, and payments to erode that debt have been slowing on the whole.

Reasons for choosing a different student loan lender than one previously used might include looking for better service, a lower interest rate, or better terms. Some borrowers may want to refinance their existing loans so they can minimize the number of lenders they work with and the number of payments they have to keep track of.

Borrowers who have federal student loans are encouraged to carefully consider refinancing those loans with a private lender, because in doing so they will no longer be eligible for federal deferment, forbearance, or other repayment or relief aid through the federal government.

Key Points

• Transferring student loans to a new lender typically involves refinancing through a private lender, which may offer lower rates or better terms than your current one.

• Federal loans come with borrower protections like forgiveness and income-driven plans that are forfeited when refinancing with a private lender.

• Refinancing consolidates loans into one, potentially simplifying payments and lowering interest, though extending the term could increase total interest paid.

• Lenders and servicers are not the same — lenders fund the loan, while servicers handle billing and payments.

• To refinance, you’ll need to meet credit and income requirements, and possibly apply with a cosigner if you have limited financial history.

How to Change Student Loan Lenders

There are many reasons to consider transferring student loans to another lender. But something important to understand about this change is it typically will mean seeking out a private student loan lender, even for your federal loans.

So, why would you want to change lenders in the first place? Private student loan lenders might offer better rates, terms, and repayment options than you have currently. Some lenders may be a better fit for graduate students, others for refinancing, and others for cosigner flexibility. Benefits offered by private lenders might also be attractive to borrowers. For instance, SoFi offers eligible members access to local networking events and exclusive rate discounts.

When shopping around for private student loan lenders, knowing what criteria are deal makers and also deal breakers for your unique situation is helpful. Borrowers might qualify for a higher loan amount from a private lender versus a federal student loan, but terms and interest rate typically depend on an applicant’s credit and other financial factors. A private lender might offer a variable-rate loan, which means market changes could impact your monthly payments in unpredictable ways. With so many variables in the mix, it isn’t unusual for students to use both federal and private student loans to cover their college costs.

In most cases, though, federal student loans tend to offer better borrower protections — like loan forgiveness, deferment options, or income-driven repayment plans — than private student loans. Qualifying for federal student loans may also be easier than qualifying for a private student loan for some borrowers because federal student loans don’t typically require a credit check.

Lenders vs Servicers: What’s the Difference?

It might not seem like there is much of a difference between lenders and servicers, but the two play distinctly different parts in the business of borrowing money. Lenders actually make the loans, while servicers collect the payments from the borrowers.

The Department of Education, i.e., the federal government, is the lender of federal student loans. The companies who work on behalf of the government to collect student loan payments are the servicers. The Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website gives borrowers a comprehensive look at their student aid. With the information all in one place, it might be easier to make a decision about making changes to student loans.

Private lenders also use loan servicers. Just like federal student loans, the company that makes the loan will be different from the company the borrower pays. The servicer and payment information is typically found on the most recent student loan statement. Payments can usually be made in a number of ways: online, by mail, by phone, or even through an app if the servicer has one.

Refinancing as Transferring

Refinancing student loan debt is just a way to turn an existing loan into a newer one, ideally in a way that will result in potentially lower interest rates or lower monthly payments. (Keep in mind that you may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you lower your payments by choosing an extended term.) Most student loans, like any other large consumer loan, are eligible for refinancing for qualifying applicants.

Borrowers who have only federal student loans may be interested in seeking a loan consolidation via a Direct Consolidation Loan, but as the ED warns, the trade-off here is a simpler payment but also the potential loss of some benefits, such as interest rate discounts.

Furthermore, a Direct Consolidation Loan doesn’t typically result in interest rate savings — it has a fixed interest rate for the life of the loan, calculated as the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans being consolidated, rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent. Consolidation is not usually a way to save money on interest payments, but is more an option to streamline repayment — one loan means only one payment to make each month.

Private lenders will typically do a credit check, which includes personal financial details like income and credit histories, and could be a potential drawback for students who may not have much of either. Students might have a tougher time qualifying for a loan on their own with that requirement, and a cosigner may be required on the loan.

Doing Your Homework

There are many moving parts to consider when thinking about using a different lender from one you’ve used in the past or transferring an existing loan to a new lender. What aspects of your student loans would benefit from transferring? What don’t you like about your current lender or servicer? What services or benefits would you like to get from a lender?

If you do decide to move forward with transferring your student loans to a new lender, also known as refinancing student loans, allow SoFi to help. SoFi offers an easy online application, competitive rates, and no origination fees.

See if you prequalify with SoFi in just two minutes.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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

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.

SOSLR-Q225-055

Jul

2025

Using In-School Deferment as a Student

By Kylie Ora Lobell | Student Loans, student_loan | No Comments

Undergraduate and graduate students in school at least half-time can put off making federal student loan payments, and possibly private student loan payments, with in-school deferment. The catch? Interest may accrue on certain types of loans.

While some students choose to start paying off their loans while they’re still in college, many take advantage of in-school deferment. Keep reading to learn more on in-school deferment and whether or not it’s the right choice for you.

Key Points

• In-school deferment allows students to postpone federal and some private student loan payments while enrolled at least half-time, although interest typically accrues during this period.

• Federal student loans automatically enter in-school deferment, while students must initiate deferment requests for private loans through their loan servicer.

• Accrued interest on Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans during deferment will be capitalized, increasing the principal balance and future monthly payments.

• Alternatives to in-school deferment include economic hardship, graduate fellowship, military service, and unemployment deferments, each with specific eligibility criteria.

• Exploring options like income-based repayment or refinancing can help manage student debt, but refinancing federal loans eliminates access to federal benefits like deferment and forgiveness.

What Is In-School Deferment?

In-school deferment allows an undergraduate or graduate student, or parent borrower, to postpone making payments on:

• Direct Loans, which include PLUS Loans for graduate and professional students, or parents of dependent undergrads; subsidized and unsubsidized loans; and consolidation loans

• Perkins Loans

• Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program Loans

Parents with PLUS Loans may qualify for deferment if their student is enrolled at least half-time at an eligible college or career school.

What about private student loans? Many lenders allow students to defer payments while they’re in school and for six months after graduation. Sallie Mae lets you defer payments for up to 48 months as long as you are enrolled at least half-time.

Each private lender has its own rules, though, so always check with your specific lender.

How In-School Deferment Works

Federal student loan borrowers in school at least half-time are automatically placed into in-school deferment. You should receive a notice from your loan servicer.

If your loans don’t go into automatic in-school deferment or you don’t receive a notice, get in touch with the financial aid office at your school. You may need to fill out an In-School Deferment Request, which is available at studentaid.gov.

If you have private student loans, it’s a good idea to reach out to your loan servicer to request in-school deferment. If you’re seeking a new private student loan, you can review the lender’s school deferment rules.

Most federal student loans also have a six-month grace period after a student graduates, drops below half-time enrollment, or leaves school before payments must begin. This applies to graduate students with PLUS Loans as well.

Parent borrowers who took out a PLUS Loan can request a six-month deferment after their student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment.

Requirements for In-School Deferment

Students with federal student loans must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible school, defined by the Federal Student Aid office as one that has been approved by the Department of Education to participate in federal student aid programs, even if the school does not participate in those programs.

That includes most accredited American colleges and universities and some institutions outside the United States.

In-school deferment is primarily for students with existing loans or those who are returning to school after time away.

The definition of “half-time” can be tricky. Make sure you understand the definition your school uses for school deferment, as not all schools define half-time status the same way. It’s usually based on a certain number of hours and/or credits.

Do I Need to Pay Interest During In-School Deferment?

For most federal student loans, no.

However, if you have a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, interest will accrue during the deferment and be added to the principal loan balance.

If you have a Direct Subsidized Loan or a Perkins Loan, the government pays the interest while you’re in school and during grace periods. That’s also true of the subsidized portion of a Direct Consolidation Loan.

Interest will almost always accrue on deferred private student loans.

Although postponement of payments takes the pressure off, the interest that you’re responsible for that accrues on any loan is currently capitalized, or added to your balance, after deferments and grace periods. (This capitalization will no longer occur in certain situations as of July 2023, thanks to new regulations from the Department of Education that are set to take effect.) You’ll then be charged interest on the increased principal balance. Capitalization of the unpaid interest may also increase your monthly payment, depending on your repayment plan.

If you’re able to pay the interest before it capitalizes, that can help keep your total loan cost down.

Alternatives to In-School Deferment

There are different types of deferment aside from in-school deferment.

• Economic Hardship Deferment. You may receive an economic hardship deferment for up to three years if you receive a means-tested benefit, such as welfare, you are serving in the Peace Corps, or you work full-time but your earnings are below 150% of the poverty guideline for your state and family size.

• Graduate Fellowship Deferment. If you are in an approved graduate fellowship program, you could be eligible for this deferment.

• Military Service and Post-Active Duty Student Deferment. You could qualify for this deferment if you are on active duty military service in connection with a military operation, war, or a national emergency, or you have completed active duty service and any applicable grace period. The deferment will end once you are enrolled in school at least half-time, or 13 months after completion of active duty service and any grace period, whichever comes first.

• Rehabilitation Training Deferment. This deferment is for students who are in an approved program that offers drug or alcohol, vocational, or mental health rehabilitation.

• Unemployment Deferment. You can receive unemployment deferment for up to three years if you receive unemployment benefits or you’re unable to find full-time employment.

For most deferments, you’ll need to provide your student loan servicer with documentation to show that you’re eligible.

Student Loan Forbearance

Another option is federal student loan forbearance, which temporarily suspends or reduces your principal monthly payments, but interest always continues to accrue.

Some private student loan lenders offer forbearance as well.

If your federal student loan type does not charge interest during deferment, that’s probably the way to go. If you’ve reached the maximum time for a deferment or your situation doesn’t fit the eligibility criteria, applying for forbearance is an option.

Income-Based Repayment

If your ability to afford your federal student loan payments is unlikely to change any time soon, you may want to consider an income-based repayment plan. Income-based repayment plans are available for federal student loans only, not private student loans.

Student Loan Refinancing

Students can also explore student loan refinancing. The goal of refinancing with a private lender is to change your rate or term. If you qualify, all loans can be refinanced into one new private loan.

Playing with the numbers can be helpful when you’re considering refinancing. Using a student loan refinance calculator can help you figure out how much you might save.

Should you refinance your student loans? If it could save you money, refinancing may be worth it for you. Just know that if you refinance federal student loans, they will no longer be eligible for federal deferment or forbearance, loan forgiveness programs, or income-driven repayment. Make sure you won’t need access to these programs.

The Takeaway

In-school deferment allows undergraduates and graduate students to buy time before student loan payments begin, but interest may accrue on certain types of loans and is added to the balance.

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

FAQ

What is student deferment?

Student deferment is a temporary pause on loan payments, allowing borrowers to postpone repayment due to specific circumstances like unemployment, economic hardship, or returning to school. Interest may still accrue on some loans.

Does putting student loans in deferment hurt your credit?

No, deferment itself does not hurt your credit. However, if you miss payments before or after deferment, it can negatively impact your credit score.

What are the disadvantages of deferment?

Disadvantages of student loan deferment include accrued interest on unsubsidized loans, which can increase the total amount owed. It may also delay progress on paying off your loans, potentially extending the repayment period. Additionally, deferment eligibility is limited and may not be available for all types of loans or situations.

About the author

Kylie Ora Lobell

Kylie Ora Lobell is a personal finance writer who covers topics such as credit cards, loans, investing, and budgeting. She has worked for major brands such as Mastercard and Visa, and her work has been featured by MoneyGeek, Slickdeals, TaxAct, and LegalZoom. Read full bio.

SOSLR-Q225-062

What to Do After You Graduate From Law School

Finding Jobs After Law School

Landing at a Law Firm

Considering a Clerkship

Getting an Advanced Degree

Alternative Careers Outside Law

Tackling Law School Debt

Ready to tackle your law school debt? Refinancing your student loans could help you pay it off faster.

Making Payments While Still in School

Sticking to Budget Basics

Refinancing Law School Loans

The Takeaway

FAQ

What is the next step after graduating law school?

What jobs can you get if you graduate law school?

What field of law pays the most?

What Is College Tuition Reimbursement?

What Is Tuition Reimbursement?

Why Companies Offer Tuition Reimbursement

Tuition Reimbursement Requirements

Program requirements

Coursework Requirements

Timeframe Requirements

Tuition Reimbursement and the FAFSA®

Is Tuition Reimbursement Taxable?

What Are Other Options to Lower Education Costs?

Federal Student Aid

Private Student Loans

Refinancing Existing Student Loans

The Takeaway

FAQ

What does college tuition reimbursement mean?

Is tuition reimbursement a good idea?

Do I have to pay back tuition reimbursement?

The History of Federal Student Loan Interest Rates

A Look Back at Student Loan Interest Rates

Understanding US Student Debt

Federal Student Loans

Direct Loans

Additional Types of Federal Student Loans

How Are Rates Determined?

Politics and Student Loans

The Takeaway

FAQ

Did federal student loan interest rates go up?

What is the typical interest rate on a federal student loan?

How are federal student loan interest rates determined?

How to Transfer Student Loans to a Different Lender

How to Change Student Loan Lenders

Lenders vs Servicers: What’s the Difference?

Refinancing as Transferring

Doing Your Homework

Using In-School Deferment as a Student

What Is In-School Deferment?

How In-School Deferment Works

Requirements for In-School Deferment

Do I Need to Pay Interest During In-School Deferment?

Alternatives to In-School Deferment

Student Loan Forbearance

Income-Based Repayment

Student Loan Refinancing

The Takeaway

FAQ

What is student deferment?

Does putting student loans in deferment hurt your credit?

What are the disadvantages of deferment?

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Student Loan Refinancing

Personal Loans

Online Investments

Other

Ready to tackle your law school debt?
Refinancing your student loans
could help you pay it off faster.

Student Loan
Refinancing

Personal
Loans

Online
Investments