There are many repayment options available for your federal loans, and you can switch to a different type of repayment plan anytime. If you're having trouble making your payments, don't ignore your loans. You can always postpone your payments through deferment or forbearance in an emergency.
Income based repayment is a type of repayment plan for federal student loans that can help make your monthly loan payments more affordable by basing them on your income and family size, instead of how much you owe.
Learn more about income based repayment on the Federal Student Aid website, or download a PDF with frequently asked questions about income based repayment [pdf].
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time in a government, nonprofit, or public service position.
Learn more about public service loan forgiveness on the Federal Student Aid website, or download a PDF with frequently asked questions about public service loan forgiveness [pdf].
The Public Interest Law Loan Forgiveness Fund (PILLFF) provides financial assistance to graduates of the School of Law who obtain employment in the field of public interest law and who need assistance in repaying loans used to fund their legal education. This fund was established in 2002 by retired USC Law Professor William McAninch to help alleviate the high debt incurred by young lawyers dedicated to serving the public. Applications must be received by June 30 of each year.
Need More Information?
The Federal Student Aid site has information about plans and repayment.