Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans As Of 8.6.2025

Over the years, the federal government has added more and more repayment options—each with different rules, forgiveness timelines, and quirks. Now they’re phasing many of those out.

For some borrowers, this will simplify decisions. But for many—especially those on forgiveness paths—this creates confusion and urgency. If you’re not careful, you could get locked into a plan that costs you tens of thousands of dollars.

At FitBUX, we track these changes daily and help borrowers stay ahead. Below is your breakdown of what’s gone, what’s going away, and what’s still available.

This article is your source of truth. We’ll keep it updated as policies and court rulings evolve so be sure to BOOKMARK THIS PAGE.

❌ Repayment Plans That Are No Longer Available

REPAYE

• This plan is gone.
• It was officially replaced at the end of 2023.

SAVE

• This plan is technically still “available” on paper—but in reality, it’s frozen due to legal challenges.
• You can’t enroll in it right now, and it most likely never returning.
• Don’t build your loan strategy around SAVE.

PAYE

• Still available for now, but it’s on its way out.
• Will be officially phased out for new borrowers entering repayment by July 1, 2026—but it’s expected to be pulled sooner.
• If you’re eligible you can go on PAYE now but be prepared to switch plans again in 2026.

⏳ Plans Still Available — But With a Deadline

New and Old IBR (Income-Based Repayment)

• Available for both new and older borrowers.
• To qualify, you must start repayment before July 1, 2026.
• After that, this plan will be closed to new entrants.
• Borrowers currently in repayment have until July 1, 2028 to enter these plans. If they do not they will not be grandfathered in. Also, this date may be accelerated so keep an eye out.

ICR (Income-Contingent Repayment)

• Still available—but rarely a good option compared to PAYE or IBR.
• Also requires repayment to begin before July 1, 2026.

🆕 What’s Coming For IDR: The RAP Plan

RAP (Repayment Assistance Plan)

• This is not a replacement for other plans—it’s what’s left after they’re gone.
• Starting July 1, 2026, RAP will become the only income-driven repayment option available to new borrowers.
• If you enter repayment after that date, RAP will be your only IDR path.
• We’ll be releasing more content on RAP as details emerge.

📉 Changes Coming to the Standard and Graduated Plans

Standard 10-Year Plan

• Still available for all borrowers.
• After July 1, 2026, the standard plan will change to being 10, 15, 20, or 25 years.  Your eligibility will be based on how much you owe and you can not switch between standard plans.

Graduated Plan

• Still around—for now.
• Payments start low and increase every two years.
• Almost never the best option. Being phased out.

⚠️ Why This Matters

These changes aren’t just bureaucratic shifts—they impact whether you get loan forgiveness or overpay by tens of thousands.

Here’s what we’re seeing:

• Borrowers think they’re on SAVE… but they’re not, they are in forbearance and not getting credit towards forgiveness.
• Others will wait too long and lose access to IBR completely.

If you’re not acting with intention, you could get caught up in the phase-outs and default fallbacks.

✅ What You Should Do Now

If you’re already in repayment:

• Check which plan you’re on—and whether it’s still available or phasing out.
• Decide if you’re on the right path: forgiveness vs. payoff.

If you’re entering repayment soon:

• Understand your eligibility—especially for PAYE and IBR.
• Act before July 2026 if you want flexibility and options.

🛠️ How FitBUX Can Help

• ✅ Build your free FitBUX plan — and find your repayment strategy in minute