RAPpath Plan comparison
RAP vs SAVE: What Replaces SAVE in 2026
The SAVE plan was vacated by the courts and the Department of Education is moving borrowers off it — each servicer notice starts a 90-day clock to choose a new plan. The Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), open since July 1, 2026, is the new income-driven option. Here is how your payment changes.
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:
| AGI | RAP/mo | SAVE/mo (former) |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $167 | $59 |
| $75,000 | $438 | $163 |
| $100,000 | $750 | $267 |
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
| RAP | SAVE (vacated) | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Open now (since July 1, 2026) | Struck down — borrowers being moved off |
| Based on | Full AGI | Discretionary income (225% FPL shelter) |
| Rate | 1%–10% by bracket | 5% undergrad / 10% grad |
| Unpaid interest | Waived | Was waived |
| Forgiveness | After 30 years | Was 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?
Act before your 90-day window closes. Servicers began sending SAVE notices on July 1, 2026, in waves; each notice gives you 90 days to pick a plan, and borrowers who do nothing are placed on the Standard plan (or Tiered Standard), usually at a higher payment. Compare RAP and IBR for your income and family size, check which keeps your PSLF progress, then apply on StudentAid.gov — you do not need to wait for the notice.
Next: RAP vs IBR · RAP payment by income · How RAP works
Was this helpful?
Spotted an error or have a suggestion? We read every note.