Sep
26
2023
Can You Convert Private Student Loans to Federal Student Loans?

Can You Convert Private Student Loans to Federal Student Loans?

By | Going to College, Student Loans, student_loan | Comments Off on Can You Convert Private Student Loans to Federal Student Loans?

Since private student loans are held by a private bank or lender, you can’t refinance private student loans to federal loans.

The reverse, however, is possible. You can refinance private and federal student loans into a new private student loan with a new, ideally lower, interest rate. When you refinance federal student loans, it’s important to understand you lose access to federal benefits and protections.

Here’s what to know about why you can’t convert private student loans to federal loans, how you can combine both into a new refinanced loan, and how to make the choice that’s right for you.

Key Points

•   Private student loans cannot be converted into federal student loans, but federal loans can be refinanced into private loans.

•   Refinancing private and federal loans into a new private loan may lower interest rates but eliminates federal protections like income-driven repayment and loan forgiveness.

•   Federal consolidation allows borrowers to combine multiple federal loans into one without losing federal benefits, but it does not apply to private loans.

•   Federal student loans offer benefits such as debt forgiveness programs, income-driven repayment options, and guaranteed deferment or forbearance in times of financial hardship.

•   Private loans typically require a credit check, may have variable interest rates, and offer fewer repayment protections compared to federal loans.

Transferring Private Student Loans to Federal Loans

It isn’t possible to refinance private student loans to federal loans since private loans can only be held and owned by private financial institutions. Your federal student loans, on the other hand, can be converted into a private loan.

Although private and federal loans serve the same purpose — to finance your education — they differ in significant ways. One of the biggest distinctions is that private loans are not eligible for federal programs and benefits.

For example, federal student loan mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic offered automatic protection for federal borrowers. All federal student loans were put on administrative forbearance so that loan payments were paused without penalty. Also, borrowers weren’t responsible for any interest that accrued during this time.

While the payment pause came to an end in fall 2023, federal student loans are eligible for a number of other federal benefits, including income-driven repayment plans, deferment options, and forgiveness programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Teacher Loan Forgiveness.

Since private student loans don’t come from the Department of Education, however, they do not qualify for these federal programs — and there’s no way to make them eligible.

Recommended: Types of Federal Student Loans

How to Combine Private and Federal Student Loans

While there’s no way you can refinance private student loans to federal loans, the reverse is possible: You can convert a federal loan to a private loan to combine your federal and private student debt into a new private loan.

Refinancing

You can combine federal and private student debt by refinancing your federal student loans into a private loan. Refinancing is offered by a private lender and requires a credit check. This repayment option lets you refinance existing federal loans, private student loans, or a combination of both into a new private student loan.

The new refinancing lender pays your original loan(s) in full and creates one refinanced student loan for the total amount it paid on your behalf. Over time, you’ll repay your new lender your principal refinance amount, plus interest charges.

Overall, a student loan refinance can help you combine multiple loans into a single loan at a new rate and potentially better terms. It also results in one monthly payment. Depending on your credit score and other qualifying factors, it might help you access a lower interest rate.

Be aware that since a refinanced federal loan is no longer a part of the federal student loan system, you’re giving up federal benefits and protections if you refinance a federal student loan.

Recommended: Guide to Student Loan Refinancing

Consolidating

Federal student loans can be combined, or consolidated, through the federal Direct Loan program. When you consolidate your federal loans, they are combined into a single new loan with a new interest rate that’s an average of all of your existing federal loan rates, rounded up to the nearest eighth of a percent.

Some reasons to consolidate your federal loans include simplifying your payments and qualifying for federal student loan programs such as income-driven repayment plans or Public Service Loan Forgiveness (if your existing federal loans weren’t eligible for these programs to begin with).

Private loans are not eligible for federal loan consolidation. As mentioned earlier, you can only combine federal and private student loans together when you refinance your loans into a new private loan.

Recommended: subsidized vs unsubsidized student loans

Benefits of Federal Student Loans

Although converting your federal student loans into a private loan might have its advantages, there are serious caveats to consider before moving forward. Ultimately, refinancing federal loans through a private lender means you’ll lose access to valuable federal benefits and protections.

Debt Forgiveness

A major benefit that federal student loans offer, compared to private student loans, is access to student debt forgiveness and cancellation. Depending on your personal situation, you might be able to have a large portion of your federal student debt forgiven.

Some programs offered for federal loans include:

•  Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Borrowers who work full-time for a government entity or not-for-profit organization might be eligible for loan forgiveness. While working for a qualified employer, you must enroll in an income-driven repayment plan and make 120 qualifying payments toward your federal loans. Afterward, your remaining federal loan balance is forgiven.

•  Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF). Under TLF, educators who work full-time at an approved low-income school or service agency can earn up to $17,500 in forgiveness. You must agree to a five-year service contract and meet other requirements.

•  Perkins Loan Cancellation. If you have eligible Perkins Loans, you might be eligible for loan cancellation or discharge, depending on your employment service or unique circumstances.

Income-Driven Repayment

Federal student loan borrowers who are struggling to afford their standard 10-year monthly payments can explore one of the Department of Education’s income-driven repayment (IDR) plans.

There are four types of income-driven repayment:

•  Pay As You Earn (PAYE)

•  Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE)

•  Income-Based Repayment (IBR)

•  Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR)

Each repayment plan calculates your monthly payment based on a percentage of your discretionary income and your family size. Some borrowers under an IDR plan may qualify for a $0 per month payment. Most of the plans offer a longer repayment period of 20 or 25 years, though the new SAVE plan will offer a 10-year term for borrowers who took out $12,000 or less starting in July 2024. After completing your repayment term, your remaining eligible federal loan balance is forgiven.

Understanding how income-based repayment works can help you gauge whether you’re willing to relinquish federal loan benefits for a private refinance loan.

💡 Quick Tip: The Fresh fresh start program student loans can help borrowers avoid delinquency and regain eligibility for repayment options and benefits.

Guaranteed Postponement

You might suddenly be hit with financial hardship, like being temporarily unemployed or experiencing an accident that inhibits your ability to make payments. In this stressful situation, federal student loans provide the option to request payment deferment or forbearance.

These federal protections pause your federal student loan payment requirement without penalty. During this time, interest still accrues and is added to your principal balance.

You’re ultimately responsible for repaying it back, as well as any interest that capitalizes when payments resume. However, this guaranteed postponement offers financial relief during difficult times.

Some private loans may offer deferment or forbearance options during times of financial hardship, but the options vary by lender.


💡 Quick Tip: Enjoy no hidden fees and special member benefits when you refinance student loans with SoFi.

How Private and Federal Student Loans Differ

To decide whether refinancing your federal loans into a private loan makes sense for you, it’s important to know how private student loans vs. federal student loans differ.

Federal Student Loans

 Private Student Loans
Provided by the U.S. government. Provided by a private financial institution.
Most programs don’t require a credit check. Good credit, or a cosigner, is generally required.
Fixed interest rates. Fixed or variable rates offered.
Payments are deferred until you leave school or drop below half-time. Payments might be due while you’re enrolled in school, but this varies by lender.
Income-driven repayment options available. Repayment plans vary by lender.
Access to loan forgiveness or cancellation. Generally doesn’t offer loan forgiveness.
Offers interest subsidies for borrowers with financial need. Loan interest is typically not subsidized.
Offers extended deferment or forbearance. Rules on postponing payments vary by lender.

Recommended: Private vs. Federal Student Loans

Student Loan Refinancing With SoFi

If you have private student loans, refinancing can be advantageous if you qualify for a lower interest rate that reduces your overall education debt. Use a student loan refinancing calculator to estimate your savings.

Before refinancing a federal student loan, decide whether you might need to leverage government benefits, like income-driven repayment or loan forgiveness programs. You’ll lose these useful benefits by refinancing all of your federal loans.

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

Is it possible to change private student loans to federal?

No, there is no way to change private student loans to federal loans. However, you can refinance your private and federal loans together, ideally to qualify for a lower rate or better loan terms. If you go this route, you will be changing your federal student loan(s) into a private loan.

Is it possible to change federal student loans to private?

Yes, you can change a federal student loan to a private student loan through refinancing. A private refinance lender will pay off your original federal loan, and you’ll have to make payments to your new private lender for the principal balance, plus interest. Changing your federal student loans to a private loan, however, will mean you lose access to federal repayment plans, forgiveness programs, and other protections.

How can you combine private and federal student loans?

You can combine private student loans and federal student loans with a refinance student loan. Student loan refinancing is provided by a private lender, so any federal loans you refinance will become private and you’ll lose the government benefits and protections you had under the federal loan system.

Photo credit: iStock/YayaErnst

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 FOREFEIT YOUR EILIGIBILITY 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.


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

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Sep
25
2023
woman on laptop

Finding Jobs That Pay Off Student Loans

By | Building Your Career, Fresh Out of School, Life & Career, Student Loans, student_loan | No Comments

Jobs that help pay off a portion of student loans are becoming more common and for a good reason. The average federal student loan borrower has over $37,000 in student loan debt, while borrowers with private student loans owe nearly $55,000, on average.

Companies that help to repay a portion of student loans are in the minority, so you may have to do some research to get student loan assistance as a benefit. To help you, here’s what to know about what’s available, companies that offer this perk, and what you can do to try and negotiate for it.

Types of Job-Based Student Loan Assistance Programs

There are two types of student loan assistance you may receive through an employer: repayment assistance programs where your employer is a participant and repayment assistance benefits your employer offers directly.

Repayment Assistance Programs

Depending on your career field, you may be eligible to receive student loan assistance through a federal or state program. There are several programs for those working in public service careers, like the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Teacher Loan Forgiveness programs, which cancel existing balances for eligible borrowers who meet certain requirements.

That said, these programs typically require you to commit to working in a specific job or a certain area (such as medicine, law, or military service, for example) for a set number of years, which can be challenging if you don’t enjoy the job or want to pursue a different career path somewhere else.

But if you fulfill your service obligation, you may get as much as your full student loan balance is forgiven.

Recommended: A Guide to Military Student Loan Forgiveness

Repayment Assistance Benefits

At the start of 2022, about 7% of employers in the U.S. offered student loan repayment assistance as a benefit, according to the Society for Human Resource Management. The terms of repayment assistance benefits can vary by employer. For example, some may offer to match a portion of the employee’s payments and others may simply pay a set amount toward an employee’s loan balance each month.

The amount you receive from a repayment assistance benefit may be less than what you might get through a government repayment assistance program. But you may not need to commit to a service obligation to qualify, and you may be able to negotiate how much you’ll receive.


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

Types of Jobs That Offer Student Loan Forgiveness

In order to qualify for certain types of loan forgiveness, borrowers may need to meet certain employment requirements. Here are some of the jobs that could potentially allow someone to qualify for federal student loan forgiveness programs.

1. Federal Agency Employee

The federal student loan repayment program exists for employees of the federal government, and allows a portion of their federal student loans to be paid off each year. The benefit permits for up to $10,000 in payments each calendar year, not to exceed a total of $60,000 for any one employee.

In order to qualify for this student loan repayment assistance, the employee is required to sign onto a minimum three-year contract with the agency. If they leave the agency early, they’ll need to repay any benefits received.

2. Public Service Worker

If you work full-time in the public service sector for a qualifying organization, such as the government or a non-profit, you may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

To pursue PSLF, borrowers need to have Direct loans and be enrolled in an income-driven repayment plan. (If you have other types of federal loans, such as Perkins loans, you’ll need to consolidate them into a Direct loan to qualify.) Forgiveness is awarded after making 120 qualifying payments and certifying all employers.

3. Medical Field

The Association of American Medical Colleges maintains a database with information on loan assistance programs for doctors by state.

Medical professionals who work in certain underserved areas may also qualify for loan forgiveness through the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. In this program, medical professionals must commit to working for at least two years at an NHSC-approved site in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).

Refinancing medical school student loans may be another option to consider for medical professionals who are not pursuing any loan forgiveness programs. While refinancing would eliminate loans from any federal forgiveness programs, it could potentially allow borrowers to secure a more competitive interest rate.

4. Automotive Professionals

Professionals in the automotive industry may qualify for loan forgiveness through the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Loan Forgiveness Program. To be eligible, you must work for a SEMA member business and have at least $2,000 in outstanding debt, among other qualifications.

5. Lawyer

In addition to PSLF, there are other lawyer-specific programs that provide assistance to lawyers paying off student loan debt. These include the Department of Justice Attorney Student Loan Repayment Program or John R. Justice (JRJ) Program.

6. Teacher

Student loan forgiveness for teachers is available. Teachers who work in special education are considered highly qualified teachers or work in underserved areas may qualify for the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program. The amount of loan forgiveness available is dependent on the teacher’s area of specialty and can be either up to $17,500 or up to $5,000.

7. Peace Corps

Peace Corps volunteers may be eligible to defer their loans or pursue PSLF. Additionally, while on a qualifying repayment plan, payments could be as low as $0 per month while volunteering.

8. Veterinarian

Veterinarians who work in underserved areas may qualify for up to $25,000 in student loan repayment assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program. Eligible veterinarians must agree to serve in a NIFA-designated veterinarian shortage situation for a period of three years to qualify.

15 Major Companies that Repay Student Loans

Hundreds of large and small employers offer jobs that pay off student loans, but it’s not always easy to find out which ones provide the benefit. To help you get started, here are 15 well-known companies that repay student loans.

1. Abbott Laboratories

The company’s Freedom 2 Save program functions a bit differently than other repayment assistance benefits in that it combines efforts to pay off student loan debt and save for retirement.

Full- and part-time employees who qualify for the company’s 401(k) plan and contribute at least 2% of their eligible pay toward student loan repayment will receive a 5% contribution to their 401(k) account. Employee contributions to their 401(k) contributions aren’t required to receive these funds.

2. Aetna

In addition to a tuition reimbursement program, healthcare company Aetna also matches student loan payments for eligible employees who meet certain requirements. For full-time employees, the program matches student loan payments up to $2,000 per year, with a lifetime maximum of up to $10,000 for qualifying loans. For part-time employees, the program matches up to $1,000 a year, with a lifetime maximum of $5,000.

3. Ally Financial

Financial services company Ally provides $100 per month toward student loan payments, with a lifetime maximum cap of $10,000. The company also reimburses tuition up to $10,000 per year to help employees keep educational debt to a minimum.

4. Chegg

Education company Chegg has paid out more than $1 million toward employee student loan debt through its Equity for Education benefit. For entry-level employees through manager level, those who have worked at the company for at least 2 years receive up to $5,000 annually. Employees at the director or vice-president level can receive up to $3,000 annually.

5. Estee Lauder

The beauty company provides employees with $100 per month in student loan assistance, up to a lifetime maximum of $10,000.

6. Fidelity

As an employee of the investment brokerage firm, you may be eligible to receive up to $15,000 toward your student loan payments.

7. Google

Google matches up to $2,500 in loan payments per employee each year.

8. Hulu

Streaming service Hulu pays up to $1,200 a year per employee to match their student loan payments.

9. Live Nation

Entertainment company Live Nation Live Nation matches employee contributions of up to $100 per month, or $1,200 a year. The lifetime maximum is $6,000 in benefits. Employees must be employed with the company for at least six months to qualify.

10. New York Life

New York Life’s student loan assistance program, Vault Pay, contributes $170 per month over five years toward student loans that are in good standing. In other words, employees can receive up to $10,200 while enrolled in the program.

11. Nvidia

If you’ve graduated within the last three years, Nvidia will match your student loan payments dollar for dollar up to $3500 per month. The lifetime cap is $30,000 in assistance. To be eligible, you must be a full-time or part-time U.S. employee working 20 hours or more per week.

12. Penguin Random House

New York Life’s student loan assistance program, Vault Pay, contributes $170 per month over five years toward student loans that are in good standing. In other words, employees can receive up to $10,200 while enrolled in the program.

13. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

As a participating associate or senior associate, you can receive $1,200 in student loan payments each year. The company estimates that this benefit can help to reduce student loan principal and interest by up to $10,000, and shorten loan payoff by up to three years.

14. SoFi

As an employee with SoFi, you’ll get $200 each month in student loan repayment assistance. The company also provides free financial classes.

15. Staples

Eligible employees for the Staples student loan assistance program include active, full-time U.S. associates with at least one outstanding loan obligation. Participants must also have obtained or are in the process of receiving a degree from an accredited institution. The company pays $100 per month toward loan principal for 36 months.

How Is Student Loan Assistance Taxed?

If you receive student loan assistance or cancellation, it’s important to understand the tax consequences. Depending on the situation, you could be responsible for a tax bill.

The IRS typically considers canceled debt to be taxable income. That includes most student loan debt forgiveness or discharge, except for PSLF. However, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 exempts borrowers who are working toward loan forgiveness from having their forgiven balances taxed if their loans were discharged between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2025. This only applied to federal taxes, though, and some states may still require forgiven student loans to be taxed as income.

As for employer-sponsored assistance programs, a temporary pandemic-era provision allows employers to contribute up to $5,250 per year in tax-free funds toward qualified education costs for employees. Any contributions above that amount are considered taxable income for the employee. However, this special tax treatment expires December 31, 2025, after which any amount of employer payments or reimbursements for education expenses or student loan repayment will be taxed as income.



💡 Quick Tip: Refinancing could be a great choice for working graduates who have higher-interest graduate PLUS loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and/or private loans.

Negotiating a Student Loan Repayment Benefit

If you’re looking for a job, keep an eye out for companies that repay student loans as an employee benefit. If you can’t find one, you can still try to negotiate the benefit into your total compensation. Here are some ways to do it.

Doing Your Research

Resources such as Payscale and Glassdoor can help give you an idea of the salary and benefits that may be available from various companies. Look at what the company you’re interested in typically offers as well as what you might get with a similar position somewhere else.

If anything, this process can give you a better idea of what you’re worth. But it will also give you a benchmark that you can use to negotiate for student loan repayment benefits, along with other aspects of your compensation.

Making Your Interests Clear

Helping a potential employer understand why student loan repayment is important to you can help set the stage for the entire conversation.

In addition to salary, employers can consider several other factors to make up your total compensation. So knowing what’s most important to you can help them make a more attractive offer.

Asking for a Signing Bonus Instead of Monthly Payments

While a signing bonus isn’t specifically designed as a student loan repayment benefit, you can use it that way. In fact, making a lump sum payment toward your student loans could help you accelerate your student loan debt repayment timeline.

Recommended: How to Negotiate Your Signing Bonus

Asking for the Opportunity to Revisit the Request in the Future

If you can’t manage to persuade a potential employer to provide you with student loan assistance, that may not be the end of it. You could ask for the chance to talk about your compensation again in six months or a year.

During that time, you may be able to prove to your employer that it’s worth the investment on their part. Or you may have planted a seed for the employer to create a student loan repayment benefit for all employees.

Making Student Loan Repayment a Priority

Whether or not you can find jobs that pay off student loans, you can still make it a priority to eliminate your student debt as quickly as possible. A student loan repayment assistance benefit can help you achieve that goal, but it can’t do it on its own.

As such, it’s essential to consider other options to save money, such as refinancing your student loans. While refinancing can be a helpful option for some borrowers, it won’t make sense for everyone. If federal student loans are refinanced, they’ll lose eligibility for federal programs and benefits, such as PSLF or income-driven repayment plans.

If you qualify, you may be able to reduce your interest rate or your monthly payment. With a lower interest rate you could potentially save money over the life of your loan.

The Takeaway

Many companies offer student loan repayment assistance as a part of their employee benefits package. Some jobs might also offer the opportunity for the borrower to apply for student loan forgiveness. For example, there are programs available for medical professionals, teachers, and those that work in the government or non-profit sector.

Another opportunity for managing student loans is refinancing, which could allow qualifying borrowers to lower their interest rates — making the loan more affordable in the long run. If you’re interested in refinancing, consider the options available at SoFi.

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 careers pay off student loans fastest?

High-paying jobs may help borrowers repay their student loans quickly. However, some jobs may allow borrowers to pursue a loan forgiveness program. While these programs may not expedite the repayment process, they could help make student loan repayment more manageable.

What companies pay off student loans?

Companies including SoFi, Fidelity, Penguin Random House, and Nvidia all offer student loan repayment assistance programs. Specific benefits vary by company.

What kind of jobs qualify for student loan forgiveness?

The type of job that qualifies for student loan forgiveness may vary depending on the program. Jobs in the government or non-profit sector may qualify a borrower for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Teachers may qualify for Teacher Student Loan Forgiveness programs. Some medical professionals may qualify for programs such as the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program.

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.


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 FOREFEIT YOUR EILIGIBILITY 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).

Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

Products available from SoFi on the Dashboard may vary depending on your employer preferences.

Advisory tools and services are offered through SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. 234 1st Street San Francisco, CA 94105.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance Loans, Personal Loans, Private Student Loans, and Mortgage Loans are originated through SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC), (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org ). The 529 Savings and Selection Tool is provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. 2750 E. Cottonwood Parkway #300 Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121. ©2025 Social Finance, LLC. All rights reserved. Information as of November 2025 and is subject to change.



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 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.

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

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Sep
12
2023
What Happens if You Just Stop Paying Your Student Loans

What Happens if You Just Stop Paying Your Student Loans

By | Student Loans, student_loan | No Comments

If your student loan payments seem overwhelming, you’re not alone. U.S. borrowers owe a combined $1.77 trillion in student loan debt, and one in ten Americans has defaulted on a student loan, according to the Education Data Initiative.

And now, for the first time in a long time, many student loan borrowers are faced with making payments again. The reason: The end of the three-year pause on federal student loan payments, which requires interest accrual to resume on September 1, 2023 and payments to resume on October 1, 2023. This resumption in federal student loan payments was part of the debt ceiling bill that President Biden signed into law in early June 2023.

In addition, the Supreme Court’s ruling against the President’s plan to forgive up to $20,000 in federal student loan debt means that student loan borrowers who may have been hoping for that forgiveness now don’t have that option.

You may be thinking, I haven’t paid my student loans in years – do I really have to start now? What happens if I just don’t pay?

The answer is that borrowers do indeed have to start paying their student loans again, and simply not paying can have consequences. Late or missed “delinquent” payments can make it harder to get a credit card, car loan, or apartment lease. And if you default on a loan, the balance of the loan will become immediately due, your wages may be garnished, and your tax refund can be withheld, among other serious consequences.

There are several options that can help you avoid defaulting on your student loan, such as deferment, forbearance, and income-driven repayment plans. Here’s what to know before you stop making payments on your student loans.

Key Points

•   Stopping student loan payments can lead to delinquency and default, affecting credit and future loan approvals.

•   Delinquent payments can hinder the ability to secure credit cards, car loans, or apartment leases.

•   Defaulting on a loan triggers the entire balance due, potential wage garnishment, and withholding of tax refunds.

•   Several options like deferment, forbearance, and income-driven repayment plans can prevent default.

•   It’s essential to compare these options to determine the best course for managing student loan debt.

Do Student Loans Ever Go Away?

The short answer to the question of do student loans ever go away? is no, unless you’re part of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Unlike other forms of debt, such as home and auto loans, student loans generally cannot be discharged during bankruptcy. Borrowers are still required to repay student loans even if they don’t graduate or are struggling to find a job.

So what happens if you don’t pay student loans? In addition to the interest that accrues over time and increases in the amount you owe, failing to repay a student loan on time can result in additional fees if your debt gets moved into collections.

Because on-time payments account for a portion of a borrower’s credit score, failing to make payments can negatively impact a person’s credit score. Having a low credit score can impact your ability to get a mortgage, car loan, credit card, or apartment lease.

If you default on federal student loans, the government can take your tax refund or up to 15% of your wages. You can also be sued, though this is more common with private loans.


💡 Quick Tip: Often, the main goal of refinancing student loans is to lower the interest rate — federal and/or private — by taking out one loan with a new rate to replace your existing loans. Refinancing makes sense if you qualify for a lower rate and you don’t plan to use federal repayment programs or protections.

Is There a Student Loan Statute of Limitations?

There is no statute of limitations for federal student loans. That means you can be sued at any point for not paying your loans.

There is a statute of limitations for private student loans, which is set by individual states and generally ranges from three to 10 years. But even this limit just means the lender can’t sue you anymore — it doesn’t mean the loan goes away or they stop trying to collect what is owed.

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Is Getting Out of Paying Student Loans Possible?

There are options that allow borrowers to temporarily stop making student loan payments. Here’s what happens if you don’t pay your student loans because you’ve been approved for one of these plans.

Relief for Federal Student Loans

If you have federal student loans, the end of the federal payment pause requires payments to resume on October 1, 2023. To help borrowers, the Department of Education is launching a 12-month “on-ramp” to repayment, running from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024, so that financially vulnerable borrowers who miss monthly payments during this period are not considered delinquent, reported to credit bureaus, placed in default, or referred to debt collection agencies.

Federal student loan borrowers can also temporarily pause payments by requesting a deferment or forbearance. You might qualify if you’re still in school at least part-time, unable to find a full-time job, facing high medical expenses, or dealing with another financial hardship. The type of loan held by the borrower will determine whether they can apply for a deferment or forbearance.

Federal student loans can be deferred for up to three years. There are two types of forbearance; general and mandatory. Borrowers facing financial difficulties can request a general forbearance, and their loan servicer determines whether they qualify. General forbearance is awarded in 12-month increments and can be extended for a total of three years.

You can temporarily pause payments on your federal loans by requesting a deferment or forbearance.

Loan servicers are required to award qualifying borrowers a mandatory forbearance. Qualifications include participating in AmeriCorps, National Guard duty, or medical or dental residency. The Federal Student Aid website has a full list of criteria for mandatory forbearance. Mandatory forbearances are also granted in 12-month increments but can be extended so long as the borrower still meets the criteria to qualify for mandatory forbearance.

Borrowers who enroll in an income-based repayment plan can qualify to have their loan balance forgiven after a certain amount of time; the amount of time depends on the plan. (Keep in mind, you’d still have to pay taxes on the amount forgiven.)

For instance, under President Biden’s new SAVE Plan, which is based on income and family size, qualifying federal student loan borrowers with undergraduate federal loans can get their monthly payments reduced by half — from 10% to 5% of their discretionary income.

In rare cases, certain loans can be canceled or discharged, if your school closes while you’re enrolled or you are permanently disabled. For obvious reasons, these aren’t options to count on, so you can assume your loans will be sticking with you.


💡 Quick Tip: When rates are low, refinancing student loans could make a lot of sense. How much could you save? Find out using our student loan refi calculator.

Consequences of Defaulting on Your Student Loans

As mentioned earlier, what happens when you stop paying student loans is that the loan is at risk of going into default. The national default rate was 2.3% for fiscal year 2019 (the most recent year for which numbers are available), according to the U.S. Department of Education. (Because of the pause on federal student loans payments during the pandemic, the default rate dropped significantly from 7.3% in 2018.)

There are serious financial repercussions for defaulting on a student loan.

For federal student loans, if a borrower fails to make payments for more than 270 days on a loan from the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program or the Federal Family Education Loan Program, the loan will go into default. (For loans made under the Federal Perkins Loan Program, the loan can be declared in default after the first missed payment.)

At this point, the balance of your loan becomes due immediately through a process called “acceleration.” You’ll also lose eligibility for federal programs such as deferment, forbearance, income-driven repayment plays, and additional federal aid.

Recommended: Student Loan Refinancing Guide

Your wages may be garnished (meaning that your employer may be required to hold back a portion of your paycheck) and any tax refunds or federal benefit payments may be withheld.

Defaulting on a student loan will damage your credit rating and you may not be able to buy or sell certain assets, such as real estate. If your loan holder sues you, you may also be charged related expenses such as attorney fees.

Temporary Relief for Private Student Loans

Private lenders sometimes offer relief like forbearance when you’re dealing with financial hardship, but they aren’t required to. If you have a private student loan, check with your lender directly to see what temporary relief programs or policies they may have.

Private student loans generally go into default after 90 days. Private lenders may also take you to court or use collection agencies to collect your student loan debt. Whether you have federal or private student loans, contact your loan servicer immediately if your loan is delinquent so you can understand what options are available to you before your loan goes into default.

Recommended: Should You Refinance Your Student Loans?

The Takeaway

Because student loans don’t disappear, it’s important to stay on top of payments, especially with federal student loan payments resuming on October 1, 2023. Borrowers with federal student loans may be able to take advantage of the Department of Education’s 12-month on-ramp to repayment until September 30, 2024. Or they might qualify for deferment, forbearance, or income-based repayment options which can provide some temporary relief or help make monthly payments more manageable.

Options available for borrowers facing financial hardships with private student loans vary by lender.

For some borrowers, student loan refinancing may be a way to lower interest rates, reduce monthly payments, and combine all your loans into a single monthly payment. Reducing monthly student loan payments by extending the life of the loan may result in more interest over the life of the loan. If you qualify for a lower interest rate, you could save money over the life of the loan.

It’s also possible to refinance both federal or private loans, or a combination of the two. However, it’s very important to understand that if you refinance federal loans, you’ll lose access to federal benefits and protections, including deferment, forbearance, income-driven repayment, and loan forgiveness for public service, so it’s not recommended for borrowers who are planning to take advantage of those programs.

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.


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.

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.

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 FOREFEIT YOUR EILIGIBILITY 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.


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23
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mother and daughter on laptop

Refinancing Student Debt With a Cosigner

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

If you’re interested in possibly refinancing your student loans, but you don’t think your credit history is strong enough, there are options that might help. One is to refinance student loans with a cosigner.

A cosigner could potentially help you qualify for a refinanced loan. But is taking out a new loan with a cosigner the right choice for you? There are pros and cons to carefully consider in order to decide if student loan refinance with a cosigner makes sense for your personal situation.

Key Points

•   A cosigner with strong credit can help you qualify for student loan refinancing and potentially secure a lower interest rate.

•   If you fail to make payments, your cosigner is legally responsible for repaying the loan, which can impact both of your credit scores.

•   Refinancing federal loans with a cosigner makes them ineligible for federal benefits like income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness.

•   Asking someone to cosign a loan is a big request—approach the conversation respectfully and demonstrate financial responsibility.

•   Cosigners should understand the risks, stay informed about payments, and be prepared for potential financial consequences.

What Is a Cosigner on a Loan?

A cosigner is someone who legally agrees to pay your debt, such as your student loan debt, in the event that you can’t make payments yourself. The exact terms will vary based on the loan type and lender, but in general, this person signs your loan with you and accepts responsibility for your loan if you don’t make payments.

A cosigner can potentially be used for several different types of loans, from taking out a mortgage to borrowing for a car.


💡 Quick Tip: Some student loan refinance lenders offer no fees, saving borrowers money.

Can a Cosigner Refinance a Student Loan?

If you have private student loans, you might have needed a cosigner to qualify if your credit history was too new or not robust enough to qualify on your own.

Creditors review a variety of factors to determine whether or not they will give someone a loan. Things like a lot of existing debt or a low credit score can sometimes serve as an indicator to lenders that an individual could be a credit risk. Adding a cosigner could make a potential borrower appear less risky, since there’s another person (ideally one with a strong financial background) to help guarantee repayment of the loan.

Recommended: Applying for a Student Loan Without a Cosigner

Finding a Cosigner

If you can’t qualify for a loan based on your own credit history or current income, sometimes student loan refinancing with a cosigner who has a strong credit history could help improve your prospects.

You could ask a friend or relative to be a cosigner for refinancing student loans. Being a cosigner can be a hefty responsibility, so treat the request with respect, and perhaps plan to be open and honest about why you need to refinance student loans with a cosigner.

Pros and Cons of Having a Cosigner

Taking out a loan with a cosigner is a significant commitment, so it’s worth considering some pros and cons. What’s right for you will depend on your personal and financial situation.

One of the most notable benefits of refinancing with a cosigner is the potential to qualify for a loan that may not have been an option otherwise. A cosigner could also possibly help you qualify for a lower student loan interest rate than you otherwise may have received. If you have little to no credit history or bad credit, it could help to refinance student loans with a cosigner by giving you an opportunity to begin strengthening your credit.

On the flip side, there can be some cons to refinancing with a cosigner. If you fail to make payments on your loan, your cosigner will be responsible for repaying your debt. As a result, missed payments will likely reflect on both of your credit histories. This could also negatively impact your personal relationship with your cosigner.

In addition, there are pros and cons to the process of student loan refinancing. For instance, if you have federal student loans, refinancing makes them ineligible for federal benefits and protections such as income-driven repayment plans, loan forgiveness for public service, and deferment options. If you want or need access to these programs and benefits, refinancing won’t make sense for you.

Using a Cosigner when Refinancing Your Student Loans

When you’re refinancing your student loans, enlisting a friend or family member to cosign your refinanced loan could help strengthen your loan application.

If you’re trying to find a cosigner, you can start with the people you trust the most. Keep in mind that acting as a cosigner has risks — if you don’t pay back your loans, your cosigner is on the hook. It’s a big request, so take some time to think about how you’ll make it. Here are some tips that may help inform your conversation:

1.    Asking respectfully. You’ll want to broach the subject thoughtfully and respectfully. You’re asking the person for a serious commitment, so asking with tact to show you understand the gravity of your request is crucial.

2.    Showing your dedication. It’s also important to make it clear to your cosigner that you’re going to be making timely payments on the loan. One simple way to do so is by providing them with regular updates.

3.    Illustrating to your cosigner that you understand the intricacies of your loan. They’ll be responsible for the loan if you fail to make payments, so they’ll likely want to make sure you understand the responsibility you’re taking on — and asking them to take on.


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

Things to Consider if You’re Asked to Cosign a Loan

If you’ve been asked to cosign a loan, be aware that serving as a cosigner can come with consequences for your finances if the primary borrower fails to make payments. If you’re a family member or friend with excellent credit and a well-paying job, you could be a candidate as a cosigner. If you have some hesitation, here are a few steps you can take:

1.    Talking it out with the borrower. The borrower is going to use your name and credit history to take out a loan. It can be helpful to understand why they feel they need a cosigner while making sure they have the means to repay the loan.

2.    Following up often. Keeping the lines of communication open so you are aware of any issues can be helpful for both parties. If need be, you could discuss making payments on their behalf to avoid the effect of a late or missed payment on your own credit score.

3.    Accepting negative outcomes. Even if you’ve done everything you can to ensure the borrower is trustworthy, something might come up where they let you down. Your credit score might take a hit and you might be responsible for making payments yourself. Remember that this could happen, so accepting it as a possibility may be helpful.

Cosigning a loan is a big responsibility that can have implications on your financial future, so take some time to consider if there’s anything you’re not comfortable with.

If you decide not to cosign, you can let the requester down gently by trying to help them think of some alternative options to secure the loan or money they need.

Refinancing Student Loans With SoFi

If you’re interested in refinancing student loans but your credit isn’t strong enough, enlisting a trusted person with a strong financial background as a cosigner may help you qualify for a loan.

But remember: Refinancing federal student loans makes them ineligible for federal programs or borrower protections. If you think you may need these federal benefits, refinancing may not be right for you.

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

Do I need a cosigner for student loan refinance?

The specific requirements for refinancing a loan with a cosigner will depend on your credit history and income (among other factors) and the eligibility requirements of the lender. Borrowers who have a less than stellar credit history may find adding a cosigner to their application allows them to qualify for a more competitive interest rate.

Can I consolidate my student loans with a cosigner?

If you are consolidating federal loans through the Direct Consolidation Loan program, you don’t need a cosigner.

Can a cosigner become the primary borrower?

In order for the cosigner to become a primary borrower, the loan would generally need to be refinanced.


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.

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.

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.


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

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19
2023
Examining How Student Loan Deferment Works

Examining How Student Loan Deferment Works

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

With mass student loan forgiveness blocked by the Supreme Court, you may be curious about what other forgiveness or deferment options are available for students with federal — or private — student loans.

Federal loans do allow you to stop or reduce your payments in some circumstances, such as financial hardship, for up to three years — which is known as deferment. Deferment on private student loans varies by lender, and not all lenders offer it.

One thing you generally don’t want to do — simply stop making payments on your student loan. Whether your loans are federal or private, this puts you at risk of default, which can have a number of negative consequences.

Read on to learn more about student loan deferment, including what it is, how it works, its pros and cons, plus some alternative ways to get student debt relief.

Key Points

•   Student loan deferment allows borrowers to temporarily pause or reduce payments for up to three years.

•   Interest does not accrue on subsidized federal loans during deferment but does on unsubsidized loans.

•   Eligibility includes financial hardship, unemployment, military service, in-school enrollment, or medical treatment.

•   Deferment can provide financial relief but may increase total loan costs due to accruing interest.

•   Alternatives include income-driven repayment plans, forbearance, or refinancing, depending on financial goals.

What Is Student Loan Deferment?

Student loan deferment allows qualified applicants to reduce or stop making payments on their loans for up to three years. If you have a subsidized federal loan, no interest accrues during the deferment period. If you have an unsubsidized federal loan, interest will accrue and will be added to the loan amount (or capitalized) at the end of the deferment period.

Deferments are available on federal loans including Direct Loans, FFEL Program loans, and Perkins Loans.

Private student loans may or may not offer deferment options to borrowers. If you have questions about your private student loan, you’ll want to check in with your lender directly.

How Does Student Loan Deferment Work?

If you have a federal student loan and are no longer in school at least half-time, you will need to apply to defer payments on your student loan. This usually involves submitting a request to your student loan servicer. You will also likely need to provide documentation to show that you meet the eligibility requirements for the deferment (more on eligibility requirements below).

If you have an unsubsidized federal student loan and are granted deferment, interest will continue to accrue during the deferral period. You will have the option to either pay the interest as it accrues or allow it to accrue and be capitalized (added to your loan principal balance) at the end of the deferment period.

Deferments are available on federal loans including Direct Loans, FFEL Program loans, and Perkins Loans.

If a private lender offers deferment, they will likely have their own forms and requirements.

Why Defer Student Loans

Applying for deferment may make sense if you are facing short-term difficulty paying your student loans, since a deferment can provide you with the opportunity you need to stay afloat financially. And, if you have a subsidized loan, deferment won’t make your loan any more expensive in the long run.

Deferring student loans also won’t directly impact your credit score.

Why Not Defer Student Loans

If you’re able to stay on top of your loan payments, then deferment likely doesn’t make sense. If you think that you may have long-term difficulty making your monthly loan payments, deferment may not be the best option either.

If you have an unsubsidized federal loan, interest will continue to accrue during deferment. At the end of the deferment period, this interest will be capitalized on the existing loan amount (or the principal loan value). Moving forward, interest will be calculated based on this new total. So essentially, you are accruing interest on top of interest, which can significantly increase the amount of interest owed over the life of the loan.

Pros and Cons of Student Loan Deferment

Student loan deferment can help borrowers who are struggling financially, but it may not be the right choice for everyone. Here are some pros and cons to consider when evaluating deferment options for federal student loans.

Pros

 Cons
Borrowers are able to temporarily suspend or lower the monthly payments on their student loans. On most federal student loans, interest continues to accrue. This may significantly increase the total cost of borrowing over the life of the loan.
Borrowers may qualify for deferment for periods of up to three years. Because interest may continue to accrue during deferment, other options like income-driven repayment plans, may be more cost- effective in the long term.

Types of Student Loan Deferment

For federal student loans, there are a few different deferment options . Here are the details on some of the most common reasons borrowers apply for deferment.

In-School Deferment

Students who are enrolled at least half-time in an eligible college or career program may qualify for an in-school deferment. If you are enrolled in a qualifying program at an eligible school, this type of deferment is generally automatic. If you find the automatic in-school deferment doesn’t kick in when you are enrolled at least half-time in an eligible school, you can file an in-school deferment request form .

Unemployment Deferment

Those currently receiving unemployment benefits, or who are actively seeking and unable to find full-time work, may be able to qualify for unemployment deferment. Borrowers can receive this deferment for up to three years.

Economic Hardship Deferment

This type of deferment may be an option for those borrowers who are receiving merit-tested benefits like welfare, who work full time but earn less than 150% of the poverty guidelines for your state of residence and family size, or who are serving in the Peace Corps.

Economic hardship deferments may be awarded for a period of up to three years.

Military Deferment

Members of the U.S. military who are serving active duty may qualify for a military service deferment. After a period of active duty service, there is a grace period in which borrowers may also qualify for federal student loan deferment.

Cancer Treatment Deferment

Individuals who are undergoing treatment for cancer may qualify for deferment. There is also a grace period of six months following the end of treatment.

Other Types of Deferment

There are other situations and circumstances in which borrowers might be able to apply for deferment. Some of these include starting a graduate fellowship program, entering a rehabilitation program, or being a parent borrower with a Parent PLUS Loan whose child is enrolled in school at least half-time.

Consequences of Defaulting on Federal Student Loans

If you simply stop making payments as outlined in your loan’s contract, you risk defaulting on your student loan. Default timelines vary for different types of student loans.

Most federal student loans enter default when payments are roughly nine months, or 270 days, past due. Federal Perkins loans can default immediately if you don’t make any scheduled payment by its due date.

•   Immediately owing the entire balance of the loan

•   Losing eligibility for forbearance, deferment, or federal repayment plans

•   Losing eligibility for federal student aid

•   Damage to your credit score, inhibiting your ability to qualify for a car or home loan or credit cards in the future

•   Withholding of federal benefits and tax refunds

•   Garnishing of wages

•   The loan holder taking you to court

•   Inability to sell or purchase assets such as real estate

•   Withholding of your academic transcript until loans are repaid

Consequences of Defaulting on Private Student Loans

The consequences for defaulting on private student loans will vary by lender but could include repercussions similar to federal student loans, and more, including:

•   Seeking repayment from the cosigners of the loan (if there are any cosigners)

•   Calls, letters, and notifications from debt collectors

•   Additional collection charges on the balance of the loan

•   Legal action from the lender, such as suing the borrower or their cosigner

To avoid these negative consequences, one option for borrowers struggling to pay federal student loans is deferment.

Recommended: Private Student Loan Consolidation

Who Is Eligible for Student Loan Deferment?

To be granted a deferment on federal loans, borrowers need to meet certain criteria.

You may be eligible if you’re:

•   Enrolled at least part-time in college, graduate school, or a professional school

•   Unable to find a full-time job or are experiencing economic hardship

•   On active military duty serving in relation to war, military operation, or response to a national emergency

•   In the 13-month period following active duty

•   Enrolled in the Peace Corps

•   Taking part in a graduate fellowship program

•   Experiencing a medical hardship

•   Enrolled in an approved rehabilitation program for the disabled

Borrowers who re-enroll in college or career school part-time may find that their federal student loans automatically go into in-school deferment with a notification from their student loan provider.

Loans may also keep accruing interest during deferment — depending on what kind of federal student loans the borrower holds. Borrowers are still responsible for paying interest if they have a:

•   Direct Unsubsidized (Stafford) Loan

•   Direct PLUS Loan

If you don’t pay the interest during the deferment period, the accrued amount is added to your loan principal, which increases what you owe in the end.

Recommended: Student Loan Deferment in Grad School

What if You Have Private Student Loans?

Private lenders aren’t required to offer deferment options, but some do. For example, some might allow you to temporarily stop making payments if you:

•   Lose your job

•   Experience financial hardship

•   Go back to school

•   Have been accepted into an internship, clerkship, fellowship, or residency program

•   Face high medical expenses

Typically, even while a private student loan is in deferment, the balance will still accrue interest. This means that in the long term, the borrower will pay a larger balance overall, even after the respite of deferment.

In most cases, even with accrual of interest, deferment is preferable to defaulting. Borrowers with private loans could contact the lender to ask what options are available.

The Limits of Student Loan Deferment

Keep in mind that deferment is not a panacea. By definition, it’s temporary. Federal student loan borrowers will ultimately need to go back to making payments once they are no longer deferment-eligible. For example, a borrower’s deferral might end if they leave school, even if their ability to pay has not improved.

Federal loans can only be deferred due to unemployment or financial hardship for up to three years. With private loans, there may not be an option to defer at all, and if it is an option, the limit may be no more than a year.

Other Options for Reducing Federal Student Loan Payments

Besides student loan deferment, you have other choices if you can’t afford the total cost of your monthly payments. Here’s a look at some alternatives to deferment.

Income-Driven Repayments

For a longer-term solution, you may want to consider signing up for an income-driven repayment plan.

If you qualify, you may be able to reduce your monthly payment based on your income. Enrolling in an income-driven repayment plan won’t have a negative impact on your credit score or history. On certain income-driven repayment plans, student loan balances can be forgiven after 20 or 25 years, depending on the payment plan that the borrower is eligible for.

With an income-driven repayment plan, your monthly payment is based on your total discretionary income. That means if you change jobs, or see a significant increase in your paycheck, you’ll be expected to pay a higher monthly bill on your student loan payment.

Forbearance

Student loan forbearance is another way to suspend or lower your student loan payments temporarily during times of financial stress, typically for up to 12 months. Generally, forbearance is not as desirable as deferment, since you will be responsible for accrued interest when the forbearance period is over no matter what type of federal loan you have.

When comparing deferment vs. forbearance, you’ll want to keep in mind that there are two types of forbearance for federal student loan holders: general and mandatory.

General student loan forbearance is sometimes called discretionary forbearance. That means the servicer decides whether or not to grant your request. People can apply for general forbearance if they’re experiencing:

•   Financial problems

•   Medical expenses

•   Employment changes

General forbearance is only available for certain student loan programs, and is only granted for up to 12 months at a time. At that point, you are able to reapply for forbearance if you’re still experiencing difficulty. General forbearance is available for:

•   Direct Loans

•   Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans

•   Perkins Loans

Mandatory forbearance means your servicer is required to grant it under certain circumstances. Reasons for mandatory forbearance include:

•   Serving in a medical residency or dental internship

•   The total you owe each month on your student loan is 20% or more of your gross income

•   You’re working in a position for AmeriCorps

•   You’re a teacher that qualifies for teacher student loan forgiveness

•   You’re a National Guard member but don’t qualify for deferment

Similar to general forbearance, mandatory forbearance is granted for up to 12 month periods, and you can reapply after that time.

Another Option to Consider: Refinancing

Depending on your personal financial circumstances, another long-term solution could be student loan refinancing. This involves applying for a new loan with a private lender and using it to pay off your current student loans. Qualifying borrowers may be able to secure a lower interest rate or the option to lengthen their loan’s term and reduce monthly payments. Note that lengthening the repayment period may lower monthly payments but will generally result in paying more interest over the life of the loan.

Refinancing could be a good option for borrowers with strong credit and a solid income, among other factors. Unlike an income-driven repayment plan, your monthly payment wouldn’t change based on your income. If you aren’t able to qualify for student loan refinancing on your own, you may be able to apply for refinancing with a cosigner.

Either way, you’ll want to keep in mind that refinancing federal student loans with a private lender means you no longer have access to any federal borrower protections or payment plans. So, if you are taking advantage of things like income-driven payment plans or deferment, you likely don’t want to refinance. But for other borrowers, student loan refinancing might be a useful solution.

If you have more than one student loan, refinancing could also simplify your repayment process.

The Takeaway

If you take out a federal student loan and at some point need to pause or reduce your payments, you may be able to qualify for deferment, forbearance, or an income-driven repayment plan. Each option has its pros and cons.

If you’re considering a private student loan (or refinancing your federal loans), keep in mind that private loans don’t come with government-sponsored protections like forbearance and deferment don’t apply. However, private lenders may offer hardship and deferment programs of their own.

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

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

Deferment FAQ

How long can you defer student loans for?

Depending on the type of deferment you are enrolled in, federal loans can be deferred for up to three years. Private student loans may not offer an option to defer payments, and if they do, the limit will be set by the individual lender.

Why would you defer student loans?

Deferment can be helpful if you are facing a temporary financial hurdle, because they allow you to pause or reduce your payments for a period of time.

Are there any reasons not to defer student loans?

Most loans will continue to accrue interest during periods of deferment. When the deferment is over, this accrued interest is then capitalized on the loan. This means it’s added to the existing value of the loan. Moving forward, interest is charged based on this new total. This can significantly impact the total amount of interest that a borrower has to pay over the life of a loan.

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 FOREFEIT YOUR EILIGIBILITY 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.


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

Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., 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 04/24/2024 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).


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

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

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Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and meet SoFi's underwriting requirements. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. If approved, your actual rate will be within the range of rates at the time of application and will depend on a variety of factors, including term of loan, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, and other factors. If SoFi is unable to offer you a loan but matches you for a loan with a participating bank, then your rate may be outside the range of rates listed above. Rates and Terms are subject to change at any time without notice. SoFi Personal Loans can be used for any lawful personal, family, or household purposes and may not be used for post-secondary education expenses. Minimum loan amount is $5,000. The average of SoFi Personal Loans funded in 2023 was around $33K. Information current as of 2/26/24. SoFi Personal Loans originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). See SoFi.com/legal for state-specific license details. See SoFi.com/eligibility for details and state restrictions.

✝ To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

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