Student Loan Income-Driven Payment Estimator Calculator

Inputs

Your AGI (annual) Adjusted Gross Income for the most recent federal tax year.

Spouse AGI (annual) Included only if you choose to include spouse income below.

Filing status Some plans ignore spouse income if filing separately.

Include spouse income Auto: Joint always includes. Separate usually excludes.

Household size Include you, spouse, and dependents.

Location for poverty guideline 2025 HHS guidelines.

Plan

Undergraduate share of original principal (%)

All grad 100% All undergrad

Effective % of discretionary income

5.00%

SAVE uses a weighted 5% undergrad / 10% grad rate.

How it works

This estimator applies the standard definition of discretionary income for income‑driven repayment plans. It subtracts a multiple of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) from your included income and applies a plan‑specific percent to the remainder.

Included income = your AGI plus spouse AGI if included.
Protected income = FPG × plan multiplier (225% for SAVE, 150% for PAYE/IBR, 100% for ICR).
Discretionary income = max(0, included income − protected income).
Annual payment estimate = discretionary income × plan percent.
Monthly payment estimate = annual payment ÷ 12.

Notes: For SAVE, undergrad portions are charged at 5% and grad portions at 10%, weighted by original principal. Spouse income is generally included when filing jointly; several plans allow exclusion if filing separately. This is an educational tool and simplifies some rules (e.g., payment caps and alternative ICR amortization method).

Estimated Payment

SAVE

$0 / month

$0 / year

Included income	$0
FPG multiplier	225%
FPG (2025)	$0
Protected income	$0
Discretionary income	$0
Plan percent	5.00%

All calculations use the 2025 FPG for the selected location. Values are estimates and not financial advice.

FAQs

1) Which plans are supported here?

This tool estimates payments for SAVE, PAYE, IBR at 10% and 15%, and ICR. It applies the common discretionary‑income formulas used to set monthly minimums.

2) How do I choose the correct household size?

Count yourself, your spouse, and anyone you claim as a dependent for the tax year used. The poverty guideline depends on this number and on your location.

3) When is spouse income included?

If you file jointly it is included. If you file separately many plans allow spousal exclusion. Use the “Auto by plan/status” option or override manually if needed.

4) Why does SAVE show a range between 5% and 10%?

SAVE charges 5% of discretionary income for undergraduate loans and 10% for graduate loans. Mixed borrowers pay a weighted average based on original principal shares.

5) What if my discretionary income is negative?

Negative discretionary income results in a $0 required payment. Some plans may also prevent interest from growing when your calculated payment is not enough to cover interest.

6) Are payment caps or forgiveness timelines considered?

This estimator focuses on monthly payments. Caps based on the standard plan and detailed forgiveness timelines are not modeled. Consult your servicer for official numbers.

7) Do these amounts guarantee my bill?

No. Servicers apply official rules and verify income and family size. Treat these figures as planning estimates only.

Student Loan Income‑Driven Payment Estimator