RAPpath Plan comparison
RAP vs Standard Repayment
Standard Repayment is a fixed 10-year payment based on your balance; RAP is a percentage of your income. New loans default to Standard unless you choose RAP — so the choice is yours to make.
A worked example
A $30,000 balance at a 6.53% fixed rate over 10 years vs RAP at a $50,000 income (single, no dependents):
| Plan | Monthly | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (fixed) | $341 | 10 years |
| RAP (income-driven) | $167 | Up to 30 years |
Illustrative only. Your Standard payment depends on your actual balance and interest rate; your RAP payment depends on your AGI and dependents.
Which fits you
- Choose Standard if you can afford the fixed payment and want to be debt-free in 10 years with the least total interest.
- Choose RAP if you need a lower or income-based payment, want the interest waiver and $50 principal match, or are pursuing PSLF.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between RAP and Standard Repayment?
Standard Repayment splits your balance into fixed monthly payments over 10 years (up to 25 for larger balances), regardless of income. RAP sets your payment as a percentage of your AGI, so it rises and falls with income and can be far lower if you earn modestly. Standard pays the loan off faster; RAP keeps payments affordable and offers forgiveness after 30 years.
Am I automatically put on Standard or RAP?
For loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2026, borrowers are placed on the Standard Repayment Plan by default unless they opt into RAP. If you want income-driven payments, you generally need to choose RAP — it is not automatic for new loans.
Which is cheaper, RAP or Standard?
RAP is usually cheaper month to month, especially at lower incomes, because Standard ignores income and amortizes your full balance. Standard can cost less in total interest because you finish in 10 years. Choose RAP for monthly affordability or forgiveness; choose Standard to pay off fastest.
Next: RAP vs IBR · RAP vs refinancing · RAP payment by income
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