How to Repay Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized Student Loans (2024)

Lender and Bonus disclosure

THIS IS AN ADVERTIsem*nT. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO MAKE ANY PAYMENT OR TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION IN RESPONSE TO THIS OFFER.

Earnest:$1,000 for $100K or more, $200 for $50K to $99.999.99. For Earnest, if you refinance $100,000 or more through this site, $500 of the $1,000 cash bonus is provided directly by Student Loan Planner. Rate range above includes optional 0.25% Auto Pay discount.

Earnest Bonus Offer Disclosure:

Terms and conditions apply. To qualify for this Earnest Bonus offer: 1) you must not currently be an Earnest client, or have received the bonus in the past, 2) you must submit a completed student loan refinancing application through the designated Student Loan Planner® link; 3) you must provide a valid email address and a valid checking account number during the application process; and 4) your loan must be fully disbursed.

You will receive a $1,000 bonus if you refinance $100,000 or more, or a $200 bonus if you refinance an amount from $50,000 to $99,999.99. For the $1,000 Welcome Bonus offer, $500 will be paid directly by Student Loan Planner® via Giftly. Earnest will automatically transmit $500 to your checking account after the final disbursem*nt. For the $200 Welcome Bonus offer, Earnest will automatically transmit the $200 bonus to your checking account after the final disbursem*nt. There is a limit of one bonus per borrower. This offer is not valid for current Earnest clients who refinance their existing Earnest loans, clients who have previously received a bonus, or with any other bonus offers received from Earnest via this or any other channel. Bonus cannot be issued to residents in KY, MA, or MI.

Interest Rate Disclosure

Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 5.44% APR to 9.99% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 6.24% APR to 9.99% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loan refinance loans are based on a publicly available index, the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The variable rate is based on the rate published on the 25th day, or the next business day, of the preceding calendar month, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The rate will not increase more than once per month. The maximum rate for your loan is 8.95% if your loan term is 10 years or less. For loan terms of more than 10 years to 15 years, the interest rate will never exceed 9.95%. For loan terms over 15 years, the interest rate will never exceed 11.95%. Please note, we are not able to offer variable rate loans in AK, IL, MN, NH, OH, TN, and TX. Our lowest rates are only available for our most credit qualified borrowers and contain our .25% auto pay discount from a checking or savings account.

Auto Pay Discount Disclosure

You can take advantage of the Auto Pay interest rate reduction by setting up and maintaining active and automatic ACH withdrawal of your loan payment. The interest rate reduction for Auto Pay will be available only while your loan is enrolled in Auto Pay. Interest rate incentives for utilizing Auto Pay may not be combined with certain private student loan repayment programs that also offer an interest rate reduction. For multi-party loans, only one party may enroll in Auto Pay.

Skip a Payment Disclosure

Earnest clients may skip one payment every 12 months. Your first request to skip a payment can be made once you’ve made at least 6 months of consecutive on-time payments, and your loan is in good standing. The interest accrued during the skipped month will result in an increase in your remaining minimum payment. The final payoff date on your loan will be extended by the length of the skipped payment periods. Please be aware that a skipped payment does count toward the forbearance limits. Please note that skipping a payment is not guaranteed and is at Earnest’s discretion. Your monthly payment and total loan cost may increase as a result of postponing your payment and extending your term.

Student Loan Refinancing Loan Cost Examples

These examples provide estimates based on payments beginning immediately upon loan disbursem*nt. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 20-year term (240 monthly payments of $72) and a 5.89% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $17,042.39. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 20-year term (240 monthly payments of $72) and a 6.04% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $17,249.77. Your actual repayment terms may vary.Terms and Conditions apply. Visit https://www.earnest. com/terms-of-service, e-mail us at hello@earnest.com, or call 888-601-2801 for more information on our student loan refinance product.

Student Loan Origination Loan Cost Examples

These examples provide estimates based on the Deferred Repayment option, meaning you make no payments while enrolled in school and during the separation period of 9 billing periods thereafter. Variable APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $157.12) and an 11.69% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $21,290.40. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $173.51) and an 13.03% APR would result in a total estimated payment amount of $22,827.79. Your actual repayment terms may vary.

Earnest Loans are made by Earnest Operations LLC or One American Bank, Member FDIC. Earnest Operations LLC, NMLS #1204917. 535 Mission St., Suite 1663, San Francisco, CA 94105. California Financing Law License 6054788. Visit earnest.com/licenses for a full list of licensed states. For California residents (Student Loan Refinance Only): Loans will be arranged or made pursuant to a California Financing Law License.

One American Bank, 515 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Earnest loans are serviced by Earnest Operations LLC with support from Navient Solutions LLC (NMLS #212430). One American Bank and Earnest LLC and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.

© 2021 Earnest LLC. All rights reserved.

Student Loan Planner® Bonus Disclosure:

Upon disbursem*nt of a qualifying loan, the borrower must notify Student Loan Planner® that a qualifying loan was refinanced through the site, as the lender does not share the names or contact information of borrowers. Borrowers must complete theRefinance Bonus Request formto claim a bonus offer. Student Loan Planner® will confirm loan eligibility and, upon confirmation of a qualifying refinance, will send via email a $500 e-gift card within 14 business days following the last day of the month in which the qualifying loan was confirmed eligible by Student Loan Planner®.If a borrower does not claim the Student Loan Planner® bonus within six months of the loan disbursem*nt, the borrower forfeits their right to claim said bonus.The bonus amount will depend on the total loan amount disbursed. This offer is not valid for borrowers who have previously received a bonus from Student Loan Planner®.

How to Repay Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized Student Loans (2024)

FAQs

Do you pay back subsidized or unsubsidized student loans? ›

Federal student loans can be subsidized or unsubsidized. A student's eligibility for subsidized loans is based on financial need. Although both types of loans have to be paid back with interest, the government makes some of the interest payments on subsidized loans.

Can subsidized and unsubsidized loans be forgiven? ›

You'll also be eligible for student loan forgiveness on any remaining balance after the repayment period ends. This is usually after 20–25 years. Both direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans are eligible for any of the four IDR plans.

Can you pay off subsidized loans while in school? ›

You won't face any extra charges for starting your repayment before you graduate college. If you have not graduated, your Direct Subsidized Loans are not accruing interest. It's important to note that the federal government pays the interest for your Direct Subsidized loans while you're in college or in deferment.

What are the disadvantages of a subsidized student loan? ›

While there are many benefits to subsidized loans, there are also a few drawbacks to consider.
  • Pro: Deferred interest. ...
  • Pro: Grace period after graduation. ...
  • Pro: Deferment availability. ...
  • Pro: Lower interest rates. ...
  • Cons: Lower lending limits. ...
  • Con: Must establish financial need. ...
  • Con: Only open to undergraduate students.

How do you pay back unsubsidized loans? ›

Unlike a subsidized loan, you are responsible for the interest from the time the unsubsidized loan is disbursed until it's paid in full. You can choose to pay the interest or allow it to accrue (accumulate) and be capitalized (that is, added to the principal amount of your loan).

Do you pay off subsidized vs unsubsidized first? ›

Which Student Loans Should You Pay First: Subsidized or Unsubsidized? It's a good idea to start paying back unsubsidized student loans first, since you're more likely to have a higher balance that accrues interest much faster.

Do students pay back subsidized loans? ›

You are not required to repay your subsidized and unsubsidized student loans while enrolled and for six months after dropping below half-time enrollment, leaving school or graduating.

What happens to unused unsubsidized loans? ›

Return the money

Federal loans can be returned within 120 days without having to pay interest. However, students will have to pay interest on returned private loans. When you take out unsubsidized federal or private student loans, the funds will begin accruing interest immediately.

Can you accept both subsidized and unsubsidized loans? ›

Given the option, you should accept a Direct Subsidized Loan first. Then, if you still need additional financial aid to pay for college or career school, accept the Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

How long do you have to pay back unsubsidized loans? ›

You will be able to choose a repayment plan that meets your needs. The amount you pay and the length of time to repay your loans will vary depending on the repayment plan you choose. Typical loan repayment terms are 10 to 25 years.

What is the right way to pay off student loans? ›

Take control of your loans
  1. Know what you owe. ...
  2. See if your loans fit into your budget and pay schedule. ...
  3. Make sure your federal repayment plan is the best one for you. ...
  4. Set up direct debit (aka autopay) for 0.25% off your interest rate. ...
  5. Stay in touch with your servicer. ...
  6. Keep good records.

What if I can't afford to pay my student loans? ›

Contact your servicer to learn about student loan deferment, student loan forbearance, or affordable repayment plans to postpone or reduce or your monthly payment.

What is the disadvantage of a federal unsubsidized loan? ›

In the case of an unsubsidized loan, you will be responsible for all the interest on your loan. You don't need to get a credit check to qualify for federal student loans (except for PLUS loans).

Who pays an unsubsidized loan? ›

You are responsible for paying the interest on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan during all periods.

Why are subsidized loans better than unsubsidized loans? ›

If you take out a Direct Subsidized Loan, you will not be charged interest while you're in school, during your grace period, or during other periods of deferment. If you take out a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, interest will accrue on your loan as soon as it is disbursed, even while you are in school.

What student loans are not eligible for forgiveness? ›

You're not eligible for federal student loan forgiveness programs if you have private loans, but there are other strategies for managing private loan debt.

How do I get subsidized loans forgiven? ›

The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you've made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full time for a qualifying employer.

Which student loans qualify for forgiveness? ›

If you have loans that have been in repayment for more than 20 or 25 years, those loans may immediately qualify for forgiveness. Borrowers who have reached 20 or 25 years (240 or 300 months) worth of eligible payments for IDR forgiveness will see their loans forgiven as they reach these milestones.

Are federal direct unsubsidized loans eligible for forgiveness? ›

Which loans are eligible for loan forgiveness? Only Federal Direct Loan Program loans that are not in default are eligible for PSLF (ie - Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, Direct Consolidation Loans).

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