When it comes to repaying your federal student loan, there’s a lot to consider. Understanding the details of repayment can save you time and money. Find out when repayment starts, how to make your payment, repayment plan options, what to do if you have trouble making payments, and more!

When do I begin making my student loan payments?

  • You don’t have to begin repaying most federal student loans until after you leave college or drop below half-time enrollment. However, PLUS loans enter repayment once your loan is fully disbursed (paid out).
  • You have a six month grace period. The grace period is a set period of time after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment before you must begin repayment on your loan. The grace period gives you time to get financially settled and to select your repayment plan. Note that for most loans, interest will accrue during your grace period.
  • For more information, go to the Department of Education.

How much will my student loan payment be?

Who do I make my student loan payment to?

  • You will make your loan payment to your loan servicer.  A loan servicer is a company that handles the billing and other services on your federal student loan. The loan servicer will work with you on repayment plans and loan consolidation and will assist you with other tasks related to your federal student loan.
  • Visit NSLDS or My Federal Student Aid to view information about all of the federal student loans you have received and to find contact information for the loan servicer or lender for your loans.

What are my student loan repayment plan options?

Loan Forgiveness

There are State and Federal programs available to potentially discharge or forgive all or a portion of your federal student loan debt, if you meet specific qualifications.

Most borrowers of federal education loans must repay the full amount that they borrowed plus interest. But borrowers in certain occupations may qualify for loan forgiveness. Under certain exceptional circumstances, borrowers may qualify to have all or a portion of their loan obligation discharged.

MUS Loan Repayment Forgiveness Programs

Several loan repayment and assistance programs are available through the Montana University System.

Montana Rural Physician Incentive Program
The Montana Rural Physician Incentive Trust Fund was established to facilitate payment of qualified educational debts of rural physicians who serve communities or populations that are medically underserved and where there is a demonstrated need for medical services. The trust is funded by fees assessed to all Montana allopathic and osteopathic medical students participating in the WICHE and WWAMI programs. 

Montana Institutional Nursing Incentive Program
The Montana Institutional Nursing Incentive Program is a loan reimbursement program for individuals who are licensed to practice as a registered professional nurse and who are currently employed as a full-time registered professional nurse by either the Montana state prison or the Montana state hospital. 

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FEDERAL Loan Repayment Forgiveness Programs

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
The PSLF Program is intended to encourage individuals to enter and continue to work full-time in public service jobs. Under this program, you may qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance due on your William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (Direct Loan Program) loans after you have made 120 qualifying payments on those loans while employed full-time by certain public service employers. Since you must make 120 qualifying payments on your eligible federal student loans after October 1, 2007 before you qualify for the loan forgiveness, the first forgiveness of loan balances will not be granted until October 2017. 

Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program
The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program is intended to encourage individuals to enter and continue in the teaching profession. Under this program, if you teach full-time for five complete and consecutive academic years in certain elementary and secondary schools and educational service agencies that serve low-income families, and meet other qualifications, you may be eligible for forgiveness of up to a combined total of $17,500 on your Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and your Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans. If you have Plus loans only, you are not eligible for this type of forgiveness. 

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Remember you can receive FREE help.  Do not pay for assistance when you can get help for free!  As you research loan forgiveness programs, keep in mind:

  1. Loan forgiveness is best handled directly through your loan servicer.
  2. The Financial Education Program Coordinator on your campus is a great in-person resource that can help plan your strategy.