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A certified counselor will go through your own numbers with you. The session is free and there is nothing to buy.
About FFEL Loans#
FFEL loans were made by private lenders under the Federal Family Education Loan Program, but that program no longer issues new loans. All new federal student loans now come directly from the U.S. Department of Education under the Direct Loan Program.
Standard Repayment Plan#
The Standard repayment plan lets a borrower pay off federal student loan debt in 10 years or less, with a minimum monthly payment of $50.
Extended Repayment Plan#
The Extended repayment plan is only available to a borrower who has at least $30,000 in federal student loan debt with a single lender.
Graduated Repayment Plan#
Graduated repayment is also one of the plans FFEL borrowers can choose from. It has a minimum monthly payment of $25 that increases over time until the loan is paid completely, and the monthly payment is determined by the debt amount.
Income-based Repayment Plan#
The Income-based repayment plan requires a borrower to have a partial financial hardship. It caps the monthly payment at 15% of discretionary income, with a repayment period of up to 25 years.
Income-sensitive Repayment Plan#
The Income-sensitive repayment plan for FFEL loans gives a borrower up to 10 years to repay the loan. Monthly payments are based on annual income and change as that income changes.
How Often You Can Switch FFEL Repayment Plans#
Lenders of Federal Family Education Loans are required to allow borrowers to change repayment plans at least one time per year. This is different from federal Direct Loans, where borrowers can change their repayment plan at any time during repayment.
Comparing the Four FFEL Repayment Plans#
| Plan | Eligibility Requirement | Payment Amount | Repayment Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Not stated | Minimum $50 per month | 10 years or less |
| Extended | At least $30,000 in debt with a single lender | Not stated | Not stated |
| Income-based | Partial financial hardship | Capped at 15% of discretionary income | Up to 25 years |
| Income-sensitive | Not stated | Based on annual income, changes as income changes | Up to 10 years |
What to Do Next#
If you are trying to decide between FFEL repayment plans, or you are not sure which one fits your budget, Cambridge Credit Counseling’s student loan counseling can help you choose or change a repayment plan, lower your monthly payment, and look at other federal loan options.
Common questions
What is the minimum payment on the Standard FFEL repayment plan?
The Standard repayment plan for federal student loans requires a minimum monthly payment of $50, and allows a borrower to pay off the loan in 10 years or less.
Do I need a certain amount of debt to use the Extended repayment plan?
Yes. A borrower must have at least $30,000 in federal student loan debt with a single lender to qualify for the Extended repayment plan.
How does the Income-based repayment plan work for FFEL loans?
A borrower must have a partial financial hardship to qualify. The plan caps the monthly payment at 15% of discretionary income and allows up to 25 years to repay.
Can I switch FFEL repayment plans whenever I want?
No. FFEL lenders are required to allow a plan change at least once per year. This differs from federal Direct Loans, where borrowers can change plans at any time.
Are FFEL loans still being issued to new borrowers?
No. FFEL loans are no longer made by private lenders. All new federal student loans now come directly from the U.S. Department of Education through the Direct Loan Program.
Where this information comes from
- Student Loan Forbearance | Cambridge Credit cambridge-credit.org Checked 2026-08-04.
- Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) | Cambridge Credit cambridge-credit.org Checked 2026-08-04.
- Student Loan Debt Consolidation | Cambridge Credit cambridge-credit.org Checked 2026-08-04.
- Federal Perkins Loans | Cambridge Credit cambridge-credit.org Checked 2026-08-04.
- Direct Loans | Cambridge Credit cambridge-credit.org Checked 2026-08-04.
- Why Seek Student Loan Counseling? | Cambridge Credit cambridge-credit.org Checked 2026-08-04.
- Credit Terms | Cambridge Credit cambridge-credit.org Checked 2026-08-04.
- Student Loan Glossary | Cambridge Credit cambridge-credit.org Checked 2026-08-04.
- Student Loan Forgiveness | Cambridge Credit cambridge-credit.org Checked 2026-08-04.
- Debt-to-Income Ratio | Cambridge Credit cambridge-credit.org Checked 2026-08-25.
- Student Loan Counseling | Cambridge Credit cambridge-credit.org Checked 2026-08-04.
- Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche | Cambridge Credit cambridge-credit.org Checked 2026-08-04.