From Diploma to Debt Plan: A Grad’s Guide to Student Loan Strategy

Graduation means more than just tossing a cap in the air—it’s the beginning of your repayment journey. And the key to navigating that journey with clarity and confidence is understanding what lies ahead. That’s where the Student Debt Solutions (SDS) Repayment Estimate Tool comes in.

This powerful tool, available to all SDS paid users (Basic, Standard and Premium) gives graduates an in-depth look at their repayment options, helping them weigh not only the monthly payment, but also the long-term financial impact of each choice. Whether you’re aiming to pay off your loans aggressively or keep payments low as you launch your career, the Repayment Estimate Tool helps you plan with purpose.

Why It Matters: Looking Beyond the Next Payment

Most borrowers think short-term—how much is due next month? But the smartest borrowers look further down the road. They ask:

• What will my total cost of repayment be?

• Will my balance grow over time?

• Is forgiveness realistic for me—and when?

• How will life changes (like promotions, family, or career shifts) affect my repayment strategy?

The Repayment Estimate Tool helps you answer those questions with data-backed projections and scenario comparisons.

For those pursuing Interest Based Plans like Standard and Extended, the tool can:

• Set a target payoff date and monthly budget goal

• Factor in one-time lump sum or yearly principal payments

• Show how those payments shorten your term and reduce interest

For those interested in Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans, the tool goes deeper:

• Projects how payments could change based on future income growth

• Illustrates if and when loan forgiveness might occur

• Estimates your total repayment cost, including any forgiveness tax liability

• Flags potential issues like ballooning balances if your payments don’t cover interest

• Avoid Costly Surprises

Without proper planning, borrowers can end up:

• Making years of low payments only to see their balance increase

• Losing eligibility for certain plans like IBR due to changes in income

• Missing out on savings opportunities like making early principal payments

The tool helps you avoid those missteps by clearly laying out the consequences—good and bad—of each strategy. It also updates as your income, loan status, or goals change.

Support When You Need It

All users with a standard SDS subscription also get access to Ask the Expert, where they can connect with a real student loan expert via chat. Together with the Repayment Estimate Tool, this gives you a well-rounded foundation to create a plan that’s sustainable, strategic, and aligned with your life goals. Log in to Student Debt Solutions to get started.