Frequently Asked Questions
For Graduating 3Ls Entering Loan Repayment
How do I know what I owe? Who do I owe?
The best information about your federal student loans can be found on StudentLoans.gov, which will provide information on your loan servicer(s) and loan amount(s). Use the “Repayment Estimator” on StudentLoans.gov to compare repayment plans; or, For non-federal student loan debt, check annualcreditreport.com.
When does my loan repayment begin?
Many federal loans have a 6-month grace period following graduation. Examples include: loans borrowed at Syracuse Law, Graduate PLUS Loans borrowed after 7/1/08, and undergraduate federal loans that did not go into repayment prior to law school). Loans that DO NOT have a 6-month grace period following graduation include: Federal Consolidation Loans, Federal Student Loan debt that was in repayment prior to the student attending law school, and Graduate PLUS Loans borrowed prior to July 1, 2008.
What are loan deferments? Is it possible to get my loans deferred?
Deferments are an entitlement if you meet the requirements as specified in the promissory note and provide the necessary documentation to the loan holder/servicer. Requirements can be any of the following:
- In school (enrolled at least 1/2 time in a degree program)
- Post Enrollment (Graduate PLUS)
- Full-time enrollment in an eligible graduate fellowship program
- Serving on active duty in the military
What is loan forbearance?
Forbearance is an agreement between you and your loan holder/servicer that allows for a temporary postponement or reduction of payments due to one of the following circumstances:
- Loan Debt Burden (loan payment is 20% or more than your total monthly gross income)
- Acquired role in a National Service position (such as AmeriCorps)
- National Guard
- Hardship or reduced payment may be available (contact your loan servicer for approval)
Should I consolidate my federal student loans? What are the benefits and concerns?
Once borrowers leave their “In-School” status, they may combine multiple federal student loans into one new loan with a fixed interest rate (based on the weighted average interest rate of the loans that are being consolidated). Federal student loan consolidation is available through the William D. Ford Direct Loan program. Consolidation is NOT the best choice for every borrower--it is a “forever” decision that cannot be reversed! Before making this decision, we recommend either contacting the Financial Aid Office or consulting with a counselor through AccessConnex by AccessLex at AccessLex.org.
If you do choose to consolidate, apply online at https://studentloans.gov
Questions to ask before consolidating:
- Do I have more than one servicer? Borrowers with multiple lenders and/or multiple loan servicers may elect to consolidate for the convenience of making a single payment to a single servicer.
- Do I hope to pursue Public Service Loan Forgiveness? Borrowers with FFEL debt who plan to pursue public interest jobs must consolidate eligible loans into a Direct Consolidation Loan in order to make qualifying payments for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
- Are my monthly payments manageable? Depending on your total debt, a consolidation loan could extend repayment up to 30 years. A longer repayment period lowers the monthly payment (but increases the grand total paid).
What are my Repayment Plan Choices?
Repayment Plans Based on Loans Owed
Repayment Plan | Payment Structure | Maximum Payment Period | Additional Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Fixed amount | 10 Years | • May be highest monthly payment • May be lowest total interest paid • No penalty for pre-payment |
| Graduated | Tiered amount | 10 Years | • Interest-only payments initially • Payments increase incrementally |
| Extended | Fixed or Tiered amount | 25 Years | • Lowest initial payment without considering income • Direct Loan debt must be less than $30,000 |
Repayment Plans Based on Borrower Income (Income-Based Plans)
For Income-Based Repayment Plans, payment is adjusted annually based on household income, household size, federal poverty guideline, and state of residence. Negative amortization is allowed. Payment amount won’t exceed 10 year Standard Plan amount. Loan balance forgiven at end of repayment period. Amount forgiven may be subject to income tax liability.
Repayment Plan | Payment Structure | Maximum Payment Period |
|---|---|---|
| Income-Based Repayment (IBR) for new borrowers on or after 7/1/2014 | 10% of discretionary income | 20 Years |
| IBR for those who are not new borrowers | 15% of discretionary income | 25 Years |
| Pay As You Earn (PAYE) for new borrowers as of 10/1/07 who have Direct Loan Debt on or after 10/1/11 | 10% of discretionary income | 20 Years |
| Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE) | 10% of discretionary income | 25 Years (if graduate debt) |
What is Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF?)
The PSLF Program was developed to encourage borrowers to enter into full-time public service employment. Eligible loans may be forgiven after 120 months of qualifying payments while the borrower works in an eligible public service position.
- Only Federal Direct Loans are eligible (including Federal Direct Consolidation Loans).
- Qualifying payments must be made under a Standard, Income-Contingent (ICR/PAYE), or IBR Plan.
- Eligible employers include: non-profit, tax exempt 501 (c) (3) organizations; federal, state, local, or tribal government; law enforcement, military, public interest law services (including prosecution or public defense or legal advocacy in low-income communities at a non-profit organization); public education, etc.
- The 120 qualifying payments do NOT need to be made consecutively.
What tax benefits are available to borrowers?
You may be eligible to deduct a portion of the student loan interest you pay on your federal income tax return. Student loan interest is interest you paid during the year on a qualified student loan. Eligibility for the student loan interest deduction is based on your adjusted gross income. The student loan interest deduction is taken as an adjustment to income, meaning, you are not required to itemize deductions on Form 1040’s Schedule A. Please go to the IRS website for more information on Tax Benefits for Education.
Can my federal student loans be discharged?
Federal student loans may be discharged if you become totally and permanently disabled or if you die. Discharge will also occur if a loan was falsely certified in your name as a result of identity theft. Review the linked summary chart for more details on discharge for each loan.