Know your loans
- Log in at studentaid.gov for federal loans; check servicer and balance.
- List private loans (lender, rate, balance, minimum payment).
- See if you're eligible for PSLF, IDR, or other programs.
Repayment strategy
- Sign up for autopay to avoid missed payments and sometimes get a rate discount.
- If you have extra to put toward loans, target highest interest rate first (avalanche).
- Consider refinancing only if you don't need federal benefits and can get a lower rate.
Ongoing
- Update contact info with your servicer so you don't miss notices.
- Keep records of payments and correspondence.
- Re-evaluate if your income or family size changes (IDR recertification).