Student debt, where it actually stands
Payments are back, the plans keep changing, and the rules depend on when you borrowed. The parts that matter for your monthly bill.
By Rusty Calloway No. 004
Few topics have changed direction as often as federal student loans. If you’ve lost track, you’re in good company.
Start with your servicer
The company that collects your payment is the one with your real numbers. Log in, confirm which plan you’re on, and check the date of your next bill.
Plans tied to income
Income-driven plans set your payment as a share of what you earn. They can lower the monthly number a lot, but the details matter, and they’ve shifted with court rulings and new rules.
What to watch
Deadlines to switch plans. Missing one can lock you into a higher payment for a year.
Sources
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