What Student Loan Repayment Options Are Available After SAVE?

The end of SAVE has left many borrowers asking the same question: What repayment plan am I supposed to use now?

There isn't one answer that applies to every borrower.

Repayment Options Depend on Your Loans

Federal Student Aid's current guidance makes an important distinction based on when loans were disbursed.

Borrowers whose loans were all disbursed on or after July 1, 2026 generally have RAP as their only income-driven repayment option. Borrowers with older loans may have additional options depending on their loan types and eligibility.

That means two borrowers with similar incomes and balances can have different repayment choices.

Income-Based vs. Fixed Repayment

Some repayment plans calculate payments using income and household information.

Others establish payments primarily according to the balance and repayment term.

The lowest payment today also isn't necessarily the only consideration. Borrowers may want to understand the repayment term, potential forgiveness provisions, interest treatment, and how a plan fits their longer-term financial circumstances.

The 2026 Rules Matter

Federal student loan repayment has changed substantially.

Advice that made sense several years ago may no longer accurately describe the options available today.

Smart Loan Aid helps borrowers review their loans under the current rules and better understand which repayment options may apply.

Confused About Your Options After SAVE?

Contact Smart Loan Aid to speak with a student loan advisor about your federal repayment options.

Eligibility and final approval for federal programs are determined by the applicable loan holder, servicer, or government agency.