SoFi

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a highly valued degree in the business world and can put you on a path to a successful and high-paying career. However, these degrees don’t come cheap. In fact, the total cost of an MBA can range from $30,000 to more than $200,000.

Is it worth it? The answer depends on myriad factors, including what school you go to, your financial situation, what financial aid you qualify for, and your future career goals. Read on for a closer look at the real costs and benefits of getting an MBA.

MBA School Costs

How much an MBA costs will depend on a variety of factors, such as school ranking, tuition structure, enrollment status, cost of living, and fees. MBA costs are also influenced by a student’s ability to qualify for financial aid, scholarships, and employer assistance.

It’s helpful to consider these factors and your chance of acceptance when evaluating MBA programs.

MBA School Requirements

To be accepted into an MBA program, students typically need to submit proof of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a resume. Some schools require the GMAT or GRE and/or set GPA minimums for admission.

Working with an MBA application consultant could help fine-tune your writing and communication style to improve your candidacy for competitive programs.

Once enrolled, MBA students generally complete between 30 to 60 credits over two years of full-time study. Some accelerated MBA programs may be completed in as little as one year.

Private and Public MBA Tuition

Excluding scholarships and financial aid, public in-state tuition can be a student’s more cost-effective option for higher education. This rings true for prospective MBA students in certain states. For instance, the total MBA program cost for 2025-26 at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business is $84,810 for in-state students, compared to $119,148 for out-of-state students.

However, the difference between in-state tuition and out-of-state or private tuition can be marginal at some high ranking public MBA programs. For example, 2025-26 tuition at the University of Michigan is $76,152 for in-state students vs. $81,152 for non-residents.

Total Cost of an MBA

The total cost of an MBA degree means more than just tuition expenses. Many MBA students will have to pay for textbooks, transportation, extracurricular activities, and other living expenses as part of their education. This more comprehensive expense list is used to calculate the cost of attendance.

A student’s enrollment status also impacts MBA cost. Studying part-time can allow students to pay per credit hour and continue working, though dropping below full-time enrollment status may impact eligibility for some scholarships.

To understand the true cost of an MBA, you also need to factor in the opportunity cost of not working, and not earning a salary, for the (typically) two years you are attending school full-time.

Recommended: Is Getting an MBA Worth It?

How Much Does an Online MBA Cost?

Relocating or commuting may not be feasible for all prospective MBA students. Choosing an online MBA program can offer more flexibility and a lower overall cost for some students.

Keep in mind that the cost of online MBA programs can vary greatly. Top ranking online MBA programs — UNC and Carnegie Mellon — cost over $125,000 and $140,000 in total tuition and fees, respectively. There are more affordable options, however. For example, an online MBA at Auburn University Harbert College of Business runs $39,250.

Recommended: The 14 Best Jobs for MBA Graduates

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Getting an MBA

At the lower end, tuition costs for business schools may come in around $52,000 a year (for an in-state student at a public university); at the higher end, it’s around $80,000 a year. Top schools like Yale and Duke University can leave students with over $100,000 in debt.

Even considering the increase in salary for those who went to prestigious programs — Yale graduates make a median base salary of $175,000 a year — those upfront costs of tuition can be intimidating. And let’s not forget, there are still costs that don’t factor into tuition.

Clubs, for instance, might be a necessary networking tool, and they come with a price tag that’s hard to factor in. And how about a trip to study in India? Traveling abroad pushes your costs up even further.

When weighing costs and benefits, you’ll want to also consider that many MBA programs offer scholarships, based both on merit and need. NYU reports awarding merit-based scholarships to up to 25% of students, while around 50% of MBA students at Stanford receive fellowship funds averaging $47,000 per year.

Keep scholarship availability in mind when researching schools, since aid varies widely. Stanford, for instance, has one of the highest costs of attendance (around $135,771 a year), but students can graduate with far less debt than most top-tier MBA programs due to their need-based financial aid.

Ways to Pay for Your MBA

Assuming you don’t have six figures in savings you can tap to pay for business school, you may need to get creative to cover the costs. Beyond scholarships and fellowships, mentioned above, here are some other options to help pay for your MBA.

Employer Sponsorship

Sponsorship through a company is possible but relatively rare, and it can come with strings attached. For instance, you may be contractually obligated to stay with the company sponsoring you for a certain number of years, which may prove limiting if you don’t see a future with that company or in that field.

Many students choose to work summers or even while in school. However, some schools advise students not to take on part-time work due to the workload and the importance of extracurricular activities.

Student Loans

Depending on your financial situation, chances are it might be necessary to consider applying for MBA loans, whether private or federal, to pay for your MBA.

The interest rates for Federal Direct Plus Loans for graduate students disbursed between July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026 is fixed at 8.94%.

Interest rates on private student loans may be fixed or variable and will vary depending on multiple factors, including the applicant’s credit history. These loans, which are available through banks, credit unions, and online lenders, are not need-based and generally require a credit check. Borrowers (or cosigners) with excellent credit tend to qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind that private student loans may not offer the same borrower protections that federal student loans offer, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Note that Grad PLUS Loans will no longer be available as of July 1, 2026. Borrowers who already received a Grad PLUS loan before June 30, 2026, can continue borrowing under current terms through the 2028-29 academic year.

The Takeaway

In the business world, people with MBAs generally earn much higher salaries than those in comparable roles who don’t have an MBA. The average starting salary offered to 2024 MBA grads was $121,324. However, graduates from top business schools were offered significantly more — an average base salary and signing bonus of $207,434.

When thinking about whether the cost of an MBA is worth it, you’ll want to tally up all the expenses involved in attending a business school program, tap any sources of financial aid you are eligible for, plus do some research into how much graduates from your selected school tend to earn in the business world.

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.

FAQ

How much does it cost to get an MBA?

The cost of an MBA varies widely, ranging from $30,000 to over $200,000, depending on the program, school, and location. Public universities and online programs tend to be less expensive, while top-tier private institutions can be significantly more costly. Financial aid and scholarships may help offset these expenses.

Is an MBA worth it?

An MBA can be worth it if it aligns with your career goals, provides valuable skills, and offers strong networking opportunities. It often leads to higher salaries and better job prospects, but the return on investment depends on the program’s reputation and your personal career trajectory.

Is an MBA worth it after 40?

An MBA after 40 can be worth it if it aligns with your career goals, offers networking opportunities, and enhances your skills. It can lead to higher salaries and new job prospects, but consider the time and financial investment carefully.

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., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi 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.

SOISL-Q325-053

Getting into a top tier MBA program can be competitive. The top 10 programs have an average acceptance rate of around 20%. But the elite of the elite accept even fewer applicants. The acceptance rate at Stanford Graduate School of Business, one of the most challenging schools to get into, is just 6.9%.

With such low acceptance rates, any boost to an application can be advantageous to an MBA (or “B School”) candidate. To elevate an MBA application, some candidates choose to seek the assistance of an MBA application consultant.

MBA application consultants, also known as MBA admissions consultants, can help candidates finetune their application with the hopes of improving their chances of acceptance. If you’re considering applying for a top MBA school, here’s helpful information about the value an MBA application consultant could bring to the admission process.

What Is an MBA Application Consultant?

Since getting into an elite school can be a monumental task, some candidates may need additional support. An MBA admissions consultant, also known as a B School consultant, can offer candidates an advantage in the demanding world of the MBA admissions process. These consultants tend to be highly skilled communicators and have extensive knowledge about the MBA admissions process.

MBA application consultants provide services including program selection, essay brainstorming, essay review, resume review, interview preparation, and more.

Candidates can choose to work with MBA application consultants on an hourly basis or select a package approach to navigate the entire application process.


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

Benefits of Working with a MBA Consultants

There are certain circumstances where an MBA applicant may benefit from working with an application consultant. Most of the benefits surround highlighting the work that schools want to see and bringing the applicant’s personality to life.

A good MBA admissions consultant will go above and beyond suggesting and reviewing an application — they will help the applicant understand what they bring to the table.

In addition to helping an applicant brainstorm essay content, here are a few other ways they can add value to the application process.

Expressing Authenticity and Vulnerability in Application

When writing a strong essay, general recommendations suggest expressing authenticity through humor or vulnerability to let your personality shine through. Colleges, even business schools, often look at an applicant’s essay to get a deeper sense of who they are, what they value most, and any actions they’ve taken towards their beliefs.

While it’s unlikely you can get into an MBA program based on a stand-out essay alone, a strong piece of writing will be another valuable piece of your total application.

If writing is not your strong suit, an MBA admission advisor could help you overcome this hurdle and help schools see your personality.

Editing Short-Answer Essays

Currently, the MBA application trend is gearing toward more of a short essay format with restrictive word limits. For example, Columbia Business School has a 500-word limit on essays.

To help applicants meet these essay requirements, MBA admissions consultants can effectively edit down their writings. Many MBA candidates do not have college experience or training in advanced expository writing or editing. With this in mind, they may need the help of an admission consultant with advanced editing skills to meet the restrictive word count.

Addressing Communication Challenges

Those who haven’t taken a lot of coursework in writing, such as STEM (science, technical, engineering, or mathematics) students, may benefit from essay assistance. While STEM professionals may have higher GMAT scores, they may struggle to write a strong essay.

These challenges might be intensified for international applicants who have low English competency. Working with a consultant can help this group of candidates steer clear of any essay defects that could potentially disqualify them.

Recommended: Tips on How to Pay for MBA School

How Much Do MBA Admission Consultants Cost?

Cost is a significant consideration when deciding whether or not to hire an MBA admission advisor. One-on-one MBA application coaching can run around $195 per hour. For a three-school full package deal, you might pay $12,000 or more.

Although these costs can seem astronomical, you may want to consider the potential pay-off: The average starting salary for MBA graduates was $120,000 in 2024 (that’s significantly higher than the average starting salary for people who only have a bachelor’s degree).

Recommended: Finding & Applying to Scholarships for Grad School

Should You Consider Hiring an MBA Admission Consultant?

Here are several examples of groups of applicants that might benefit the most from an application consultant’s guidance.

•   For applicants who want to apply at one of the most popular business schools, like the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School or the Harvard Business School, a consultant’s help may be valuable. Even if an applicant has a 3.9 GPA, a 750 GMAT score, and five years of experience working at one of the schools’ prestigious employers, such as McKinsey, competition can still be intense.

•   Candidates who want to enroll at one of the top MBA programs such as Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business or the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, the aid of a consultant is useful.

•   Candidates that have communication challenges but want to apply to a top 25 school, may need the assistance of a consultant. A consultant can help with their essay and interview performance.

For MBA candidates who only need useful resources and information to put together a concrete application for a top 50 school, a consultant might not be worth the cost. Some candidates might do just as well on their own or using an online application consulting platform (such as ApplicantLab ), which can cost considerably less.

On the other hand, candidates who want guidance, support, and help with their skills set may get value working with an MBA admissions consultant.

Selecting the Right MBA Admissions Consultant

Before comparing different MBA application consultants, it’s a good idea to first develop an idea of your needs and likelihood of acceptance. Maybe you need to focus on strategy and essay writing. In this case, you might want to make those areas the top priority when searching for a consultant.

When considering consultants, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the services they offer. For example, if a professional offers to write an essay for you, you may want to steer clear, since this isn’t an offering a consultant should provide. If the consultant is a member of an association, such as the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants (AIGAC), it shows that the consultant must uphold a professional standard.

It can also be wise to ask friends, family, and colleagues for referrals when beginning a search. They may have some experience working with an MBA admissions advisor or relevant firms.

As you contemplate getting your MBA, it’s also wise to delve into how to finance your education, including fellowship awards, which are similar to scholarships, since this is money that doesn’t need to be repaid. Other options are student loans, such as MBA student loans.

The Takeaway

If you are pursuing admission to an MBA program, an MBA application consultant can help you optimize your submission materials during the process. Depending on your particular situation, this may or may not be an effective path to follow. Regardless of whether you decide to work with an MBA admission consultant or not, you may need some help paying for your business education expenses. MBA funding options include federal loans, and private MBA student loans.

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

FAQ

Are MBA consultants worth it?

Deciding whether an MBA consultant is worth it is a highly personal decision. It can depend upon such factors as how prepared an applicant is, how competitive the program they are applying to is, how comfortable they are expressing themselves on an application, and whether they can afford the expense required to work with a consultant.

How much do MBA admissions consultants cost?

There is a wide range of prices for MBA admissions consulting. Currently, some figures say that the average cost is around $12,000 for a 3-school package. This is a considerable cost, but for students looking at financing a graduate degree and deriving a well-paying job from it, the amount may be worthwhile.

How much does an MBA application cost?

Prices for applying to an MBA program vary widely. Currently, the cost can be anywhere from about $30 to about $300 per application. There may be the opportunity to have fees waived for qualifying students.

About the author

Ashley Kilroy

Ashley Kilroy is a seasoned personal finance writer with 15 years of experience simplifying complex concepts for individuals seeking financial security. Her expertise has shined through in well-known publications like Rolling Stone, Forbes, SmartAsset, and Money Talks News. Read full bio.

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.

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).

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

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

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

SOISL-Q325-093

If you’re on the standard 10-year repayment plan and your federal student loan payments are high relative to your income, a student loan income-driven repayment plan may be an option for you.

Income-driven repayment bases your monthly payments on your income and family size. Due to recent legislation, your options for income-driven plans will be changing over the next few years.

Read on to learn about which repayment plans are currently available and what to expect in the near future.

What Is an Income-Driven Repayment Plan?

Income-driven student loan repayment plans were conceived to ease the financial hardship of government student loan borrowers and help them avoid default when struggling to pay off student loans.

Those who enroll in the plans tend to have large loan balances and/or low earnings. Graduate students, who usually have bigger loan balances than undergrads, are more likely to enroll in a plan.

The idea is straightforward: Pay a percentage of your monthly income above a certain threshold for 20 or 25 years. On the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan, you are then eligible to get any remaining balance forgiven.

Income-driven repayment plans are also the only repayment options that will help you qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. (Standard Repayment also qualifies, but you probably wouldn’t have any debt left to forgive after 10 years.)

In mid-2025, about 12.3 million borrowers were enrolled in an income-driven repayment plan.


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

How Income-Driven Plans Differ from Standard Repayment?

So, how do income-driven repayment plans work? Do income-driven repayment plans accrue interest? And how do they compare to the Standard Repayment Plan?

Income-driven repayment adjusts your monthly student loan payment in accordance with your income and family size. It also extends your loan terms to 20 or 25 years. These plans are meant to provide relief for borrowers who have trouble affording payments on the standard plan. If your income changes, your monthly payments will change along with it.

Your loans do accrue interest on an income-driven plan, but the IBR plan offers some relief. Specifically, the government will pay any interest charges that your monthly payments don’t cover on subsidized loans for up to three years. However, you’re responsible for all the interest after this three-year period. You always have to pay the interest that accrues on unsubsidized loans.

By contrast, the Standard Repayment Plan doesn’t calculate your monthly payments based on your income. Instead, it gives you a fixed monthly payment based on a 10-year repayment term (or a 10- to 30-year term for Direct Consolidation Loans). By making this payment each month, you’ll pay off your full balance at the end of your term. The minimum payment on the Standard Plan is $50.

Federal student loans automatically go on Standard Repayment unless you apply for an alternative. If you prefer an income-driven plan, you can apply for it on the Federal Student Aid website.

Types of Income-Driven Repayment Plans

There are currently three income-driven repayment plans open to borrowers: Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, and Pay As You Earn. The SAVE plan is no longer available, and a new plan called the Repayment Assistance Plan will be introduced in the summer of 2026. Here’s a closer look at each plan.

Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan (PAYE)

PAYE is currently available to borrowers, but it’s set to close and won’t be accepting new enrollments on or after July 1, 2027. Since PAYE will be shutting down, you’ll have until July 1, 2028 to switch to Income-Based Repayment or the new Repayment Assistance Plan.

To qualify for PAYE, you must be a new borrower as of October 1, 2007 and have received a Direct loan disbursement on or after October 1, 2011. Plus, you’re only eligible if your monthly payment on PAYE is less than what it would be on the Standard 10-year plan.

PAYE sets your monthly payments to 10% of your discretionary income and extends your loan terms to 20 years. Find out more about how PAYE compares to REPAYE (which is now closed).

Income-Based Repayment Plan (IBR)

While most of the current income-driven repayment plans will close in the coming years, IBR will remain open and available to current borrowers. If you’re currently on SAVE, PAYE, or ICR, you have the option of switching to IBR when (or before) your plan gets shut down.

On Income-Based Repayment, you’ll pay 10% of your discretionary income each month on a 20-year term if you first borrowed after July 1, 2014. If you borrowed before that date, your monthly payment percentage will be 15% and your repayment term will be 25 years.

IBR will forgive your remaining balance if you still owe money at the end of your term (after the Department of Education finishes updating its systems). PAYE and ICR no longer offer loan forgiveness, but you can get credit for your PAYE and ICR payments if you switch to IBR.

Income-Contingent Repayment Plan (ICR)

The Income-Contingent Repayment plan is the only income-driven option for borrowers with Parent PLUS loans (and you have to consolidate first). It sets your payments to 20% of your discretionary income and has a repayment term of 25 years. Note that the discretionary income calculation for ICR is different (and less generous) than the one used for the other income-driven plans.

Similar to PAYE, the deadline to enroll in ICR is July 1, 2027, and you have until July 1, 2028 to switch to IBR or RAP. Otherwise, you’ll automatically be moved to RAP. If you’re a parent borrower, you may want to enroll in ICR while you still can. Parent loans are not eligible for RAP, so you won’t have an income-driven repayment option if you miss the ICR enrollment deadline.

Income-Sensitive Repayment Plan

The Income-Sensitive Repayment plan is open to low-income FFEL borrowers. Direct loans, which replaced FFEL loans in 2010, are not eligible. On Income-Sensitive Repayment, your monthly payments will increase or decrease based on your annual income. You’ll make payments on your loans for up to 10 years.

SAVE Plan (Saving on a Valuable Education)

The SAVE plan is no longer available, but some SAVE borrowers remain in limbo as they wait to see what’s next for their student loans. Introduced by the Biden administration in 2023, the SAVE plan offered lower monthly payments and faster loan forgiveness than the other income-driven options.

It was struck down by legal challenges from Republican-led states, and SAVE borrowers were placed in an interest-free forbearance starting in the summer of 2024. Interest started accruing again on August 1, 2025, and the DOE is encouraging borrowers to switch to an alternative plan.

However, some SAVE borrowers are waiting it out to extend their forbearance as long as possible. Those who don’t make a move may end up in IBR and see their payments resume in mid-2026. SAVE will be eliminated completely by June 30, 2028.

RAP Plan (new Repayment Assistance Program)

The Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” created the RAP program and will implement it starting in the summer of 2026. Existing borrowers will be able to access RAP or IBR, while new borrowers as of July 1, 2026 will only have RAP or the new Standard Repayment Plan.

While the existing IDR plans use discretionary income, the new RAP will base your payments on your adjusted gross income (AGI). Depending on your income, you’ll pay 1% to 10% of your AGI over a term that spans up to 30 years.

If you still owe money after 30 years, the rest will be forgiven. The government will cover unpaid interest from month to month, as well as make sure your loan’s principal goes down by at least $50 each month.

All borrowers are required to pay at least $10 per month on RAP. This plan may offer lower monthly payments than the current IDR options, but you could also pay more interest over the life of the loan due to the longer repayment term.

How Income-Based Student Loan Repayment Works

In general, borrowers qualify for lower monthly loan payments if their total student loan debt at graduation exceeds their annual income.

To figure out if you qualify for a plan, you must apply at StudentAid.gov and submit information to have your income certified. The monthly payment on your income-driven repayment plan will then be calculated. If you qualify, you’ll make your monthly payments to your loan servicer under your new income-based repayment plan.

You’ll generally have to recertify your income and family size every year or allow the DOE to access your tax information and recertify for you. Your calculated income-based payment may change as your income or family size changes.


💡 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.

Pros and Cons of Income-Driven Repayment

Pros

•   Borrowers gain more affordable student loan payments.

•   Any remaining student loan balance is forgiven after 20 or 25 years of repayment on the Income-Based Repayment plan.

•   An economic hardship deferment period counts toward the 20 or 25 years.

•   The plans provide forgiveness of any balance after 10 years for borrowers who meet all the qualifications of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

•   The government pays all or part of the accrued interest on some loans in some of the income-driven plans for a period of time.

•   Low-income borrowers may qualify for payments of zero dollars, and payments of zero still count toward loan forgiveness. On the new RAP option, the minimum monthly payment will be $10.

•   The IBR plan and new RAP plan offer some interest benefits if your monthly payments don’t cover your full interest charges.

Cons

•   Stretching payments over a longer period means paying more interest over time.

•   Forgiven amounts of student loans are free from federal taxation through 2025, but usually the IRS treats forgiven balances as taxable income (except for the PSLF program).

•   Borrowers in most income-based repayment plans need to recertify income and family size every year.

•   If a borrower gets married and files taxes jointly, the combined income could increase loan payments.

•   The system can be confusing to navigate, especially with all the legal challenges and recent legislation.

Other Student Loan Repayment Options

If you’re wondering, “Is an income-driven plan good for me?” consider the fact that income-driven repayment plans aren’t your only option for paying back student loans. Here are a few alternatives that are currently available.

Standard Repayment Plan

The Standard Repayment Plan involves fixed monthly payments over 10 years. Starting in the summer of 2026, the new Standard Plan will have fixed payments over a term that’s based on your loan amount. Your term will be 10 years if you owe less than $25,000 and go up to 25 years for balances over $100,000.

Graduated Repayment Plan

The Graduated Repayment Plan spans 10 years for most loans, but it can go from 10 to 30 years for consolidation loans. On Graduated Repayment, your monthly payments start out low and increase every two years. Like the current Standard Plan, you’ll be out of debt at the end of your term. However, you’ll end up paying more interest on this graduated plan. Graduated Repayment may be a good fit for borrowers whose income is low starting out but expect it to increase over time.

Extended Repayment Plan

Extended Repayment gives you 25 years to pay back your loans, but you must owe more than $30,000 and have borrowed after October 7, 1998. You can choose fixed payments or graduated payments. Unlike IBR, there’s no loan forgiveness at the end of the Extended Plan. Your monthly payments will go down when you extend your term, but you’ll pay more interest overall.

How to Qualify for Income-Driven Repayment

You can apply for income-driven repayment on the Federal Student Aid website. The process typically takes about 10 minutes. Here’s more on how to change your student loan repayment plan to an income-driven one.

Required Documentation

When you apply for an IDR plan, you can upload documentation verifying your income or allow the DOE to access your tax information and import it into your application. Along with sharing your income, you’ll need to provide your mailing address, phone number, and email. If you’re married, you’ll also provide your spouse’s financial information.

Annual Recertification Process

Every year, you have to recertify, or update, your income and family size so your loan servicer can adjust your monthly payments accordingly. This recertification is required even if your income or family size hasn’t changed.

If you fail to recertify your plan, your servicer will no longer base your payments on your income. Instead, you’ll pay the amount you would on the standard 10-year plan. If you fail to recertify IBR, you’ll have the added consequence of interest capitalization, meaning your interest charges will be added to the principal balance of your loan.

You can recertify your plan on the Federal Student Aid website by uploading documentation of your income. Alternatively, you can allow the DOE to access your federal tax information and automatically recertify your plan for you.

If you don’t give your consent for this (or aren’t eligible for auto-recertification), you’ll have to manually recertify your plan each year.

The Takeaway

Income-driven repayment can offer relief if you’re struggling to afford your monthly payments. These plans adjust your monthly student loans bills based on your income while giving you a lot more time to pay back your debt. Plus, income-driven plans (and the current Standard Plan) are the only plans that qualify for PSLF. A downside of IDR plans, however, is that you’ll likely pay more interest with an extended term.

Your options for IDR will also be changing due to recent legislation from the Trump administration. Most of the current plans will be shut down, leaving only Income-Based Repayment for current borrowers or the new Repayment Assistance Plan. For those who borrow after July 1, 2026, the only income-driven plan option will be the Repayment Assistance Plan. Staying informed about these changes will help you decide which income-driven repayment plan is best 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.

FAQ

Is income-based repayment a good idea?

For borrowers of federal student loans with high monthly payments relative to their income, income-based repayment can be a good idea. Just be aware that your options will be changing in the coming years.

What is the income limit for income-based student loan repayment?

Some income-driven repayment plans require that your monthly payments be less than on the standard 10-year plan. You’ll generally meet this guideline if your student loan debt is higher than your discretionary income or makes up a big portion of your income.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of income-based student loan repayment?

The main advantage is lowering your monthly payments, with the promise of eventual loan forgiveness on the IBR plan if all the rules are followed. Plus, income-driven plans are essentially the only ones that qualify for PSLF. A disadvantage is that you have to wait for 20 or 25 years depending on the plan you’re on and how much you owe. You’ll likely also pay more interest on this longer term.

How does income-based repayment differ from standard repayment?

With the standard repayment plan, your monthly payments are a fixed amount that ensures your student loans will be repaid within 10 years. Under this plan, you’ll generally save money over time because your monthly payments will be higher. With income-driven repayment, your monthly loan payments are based on your income and family size. These plans are designed to make your payments more affordable. If you still owe a balance after 20 or 25 years on IBR, the remaining amount is forgiven.

Who is eligible for income-based repayment plans?

With the PAYE and IBR plans, in order to be eligible, your calculated monthly payments, based on your income and family size, must be less than what you would pay under the standard repayment plan. Under the ICR plan, any borrower with eligible student loans may qualify. Parent PLUS loan borrowers are also eligible for this plan if they consolidate their parent loans first.

How is the monthly payment amount calculated in income-based repayment plans?

With income-based repayment, your monthly payment is calculated using your income and family size. Your payment is based on your discretionary income, which is the difference between your gross income and an income level based on the poverty line. The income level is different depending on the plan. For IBR, your monthly payment is 10% or 15% of your discretionary income, depending on when you borrowed.

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.