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RAP vs. IBR vs. PAYE Student Loan Calculator

Compare estimated monthly payments, total paid, forgiveness, and a potential tax reserve under current federal repayment rules.

Quick answer: The lowest monthly payment is not always the lowest lifetime cost. Compare eligibility, total payments, forgiveness, tax exposure, and PSLF together.

SWReviewed by SwitchWize Research Desk · Last reviewed September 3, 2026
Your situation
$
%
$
Current option
Loans first disbursed on/after July 1, 2026
Eligible for 10% / 20-year new-borrower IBR
Currently eligible for PAYE
Alternatives
Expect qualifying PSLF employment

Your decision

IBR has the lowest modeled payments plus tax reserve among the eligible scenarios.

Recommended: IBR scenario

RAP first payment

$250

$88,259 paid

360 modeled months; $0 remaining at forgiveness and $0 estimated federal tax reserve.

IBR first payment

Good

$301

$87,493 paid

240 modeled months; $0 remaining at forgiveness and $0 estimated federal tax reserve.

PAYE first payment

$301

$87,493 paid

240 modeled months; $0 remaining at forgiveness and $0 estimated federal tax reserve.

Ranked options

  1. #1IBR scenario

    $87,493 modeled outlay including the entered forgiveness-tax reserve.

    Confidence: MediumEffort: MediumRisk: Low

  2. #2PAYE scenario

    $87,493 modeled outlay including the entered forgiveness-tax reserve.

    Confidence: MediumEffort: MediumRisk: Low

  3. #3RAP scenario

    $88,259 modeled outlay including the entered forgiveness-tax reserve.

    Confidence: MediumEffort: MediumRisk: Low

Watch-outs

  • • Estimates use current federal rules and 2026 poverty guidelines for the contiguous U.S. and D.C.; Alaska and Hawaii have different guidelines.
  • • PAYE is scheduled to end by July 1, 2028. This comparison shows its current-law payment formula over its stated term and does not predict the required transition plan.
  • • Forgiven IDR balances may be federally taxable after 2025; PSLF forgiveness is modeled as federally tax-free. State treatment varies.
  • • Parent PLUS loans and consolidation history require separate eligibility review and are not modeled by this tool.

Assumptions used

Poverty guideline
$15,960
Income growth
3.0% yearly
Federal forgiveness tax reserve
22%

Estimates based on your assumptions above — roughly indicative, not financial, tax, or legal advice.

Next steps

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Why this matters

Federal repayment rules changed in 2026, and loan date, borrower status, income, family size, and public-service progress can change which plan is available or economical.

Frequently asked questions

Is this an official eligibility result?
No. It is an educational estimate. Confirm eligibility and payment amounts with the official Federal Student Aid Loan Simulator and your servicer.
How does the calculator treat PAYE ending?
PAYE is scheduled to end by July 1, 2028. The tool shows its current formula as a comparison but does not invent a future transition path.
How is PSLF handled?
When selected, the model stops after the remaining qualifying payments to 120 and treats PSLF forgiveness as federally tax-free.

This tool produces estimates based on the assumptions you enter. It is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Actual rates, fees, and outcomes depend on your lender, account terms, and approval.