Extended repayment plan
Continues for existing borrowers (balance over $30,000) · Fixed payment · not PSLF-eligible
Extended repayment plan. Fixed or graduated payments over up to 25 years. Lower monthly payment than Standard because the term is longer. None - fully repaid over up to 25 years. Does not count toward PSLF. General information, not advice.
Source: Federal Student Aid - OBBBA updates. Data as of June 2026.
General information, not financial or legal advice. Federal student loan rules are changing in 2025-2026 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act - figures here are estimates from public sources and the final program rules are still being implemented. Always verify with your loan servicer and studentaid.gov. See our disclaimer.
How Extended works
Formula. Fixed or graduated payments over up to 25 years. Lower monthly payment than Standard because the term is longer.
Interest. Standard amortization over a longer term, so total interest paid is substantially higher.
Forgiveness. None - fully repaid over up to 25 years. Does not count toward PSLF.
Availability. Continues for borrowers whose first loan is before July 1, 2026 and who have more than $30,000 in Direct (or FFEL) loans.
Worked example
This is a fixed plan - the payment is sized to repay your balance over the term. Use the payoff calculator to estimate the monthly amount and total interest for your balance and rate.
Estimate only. Try the calculators with your own numbers.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower monthly payment than 10-year Standard | Requires more than $30,000 in eligible loans |
| Fixed or graduated payment options | Much more total interest over up to 25 years |
| No income recertification | Does not count toward PSLF |
Eligibility
Direct/FFEL borrowers with more than $30,000 in eligible loans whose first loan is before July 1, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Does Extended count toward PSLF?
No. Extended repayment plan does not count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness. For PSLF you generally need an income-driven plan such as RAP or IBR.
When is loan forgiveness under Extended?
None - fully repaid over up to 25 years. Does not count toward PSLF.
Who can use Extended in 2026?
Direct/FFEL borrowers with more than $30,000 in eligible loans whose first loan is before July 1, 2026.
Compare with other plans
- Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) · New - available July 1, 2026
- New tiered Standard plan · New - default for loans on/after July 1, 2026
- Income-Based Repayment (IBR) · Remains available (existing borrowers)
- Standard 10-year plan · Continues for existing borrowers
- Graduated repayment plan · Continues for existing borrowers
- SAVE plan (Saving on a Valuable Education) · Closing - vacated by the courts; ending
- Pay As You Earn (PAYE) · Closing - sunsets July 1, 2028
- Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) · Closing - sunsets July 1, 2028
Sources & accuracy
Plan rules from Federal Student Aid - OBBBA updates and the U.S. Dept of Education. Data as of June 2026. The 2025-2026 rules are still being implemented - this is general information, not financial or legal advice. Verify with your loan servicer and studentaid.gov. See our methodology and disclaimer.
Last updated: 2026-06-22