RAPpath

Plan comparison

RAP vs SAVE: What Replaces SAVE in 2026

The SAVE plan was vacated by the courts and the Department of Education stopped enrollments in 2026 — you can no longer sign up for it. The Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) is the new income-driven option. Here is how your payment changes.

From line 11 of your IRS Form 1040.

−$50/mo each

For IBR compare

Estimated RAP payment
$—
RAP
$—
IBR
$—

RAP vs what SAVE charged

SAVE sheltered 225% of the poverty line and charged 5% of discretionary income (undergraduate debt). RAP charges a flat bracket percentage of your full AGI. For a single borrower with undergraduate loans:

AGIRAP/moSAVE/mo (former)
$50,000 $167 $62
$75,000 $438 $166
$100,000 $750 $270

SAVE figures are historical estimates of what SAVE charged before it was vacated, shown for comparison only — SAVE is not an available plan.

Key differences

RAPSAVE (vacated)
StatusAvailable July 1, 2026Struck down — no enrollment
Based onFull AGIDiscretionary income (225% FPL shelter)
Rate1%–10% by bracket5% undergrad / 10% grad
Unpaid interestWaivedWas waived
ForgivenessAfter 30 yearsWas 20–25 years

Frequently asked questions

Can I still enroll in SAVE?

No. The SAVE plan was struck down in court and the Department of Education stopped all SAVE enrollments in 2026. Borrowers who were on SAVE are being moved off it. RAP and IBR are the income-driven plans going forward.

Is RAP cheaper than SAVE was?

Usually no. SAVE sheltered 225% of the poverty line and charged 5% of discretionary income for undergraduate debt, so it produced very low payments. RAP charges 1%–10% of your full AGI with no poverty-line shelter, so most borrowers pay more under RAP than they did under SAVE.

What should I do now that SAVE is gone?

Compare RAP and IBR for your income and family size, check which keeps your PSLF progress, and confirm your options with your servicer. Use the calculator above to see your RAP payment, then weigh it against New IBR.

Next: RAP vs IBR · RAP payment by income · How RAP works