What is the average monthly student loan payment in the United States?
This question is about student loan statistics.
The latest data from the Federal Reserve showed that the average student loan payment for borrowers in 2016 was $393. Adjusting for inflationThe average monthly student loan payment in 2025 is $503.
However, the average student loan repayment can vary a lot based on factors such as the repayment plan, interest rate, and loan term. It’s also important to note that 38% of respondents said at least one of their loans has been deferred (meaning they currently haven’t made any payments at all).
Among borrowers who are actively repaying their student loans, the average monthly student loan payment is much higher. This article explores the average monthly student loan payment in the United States and what you can do to manage your student loan debt.
Average student loan repayment by repayment plan
Most people who borrow money to pay for education use federal student loans. These loans come with many protections including income-driven repayment (IDR) plans. Income-driven repayment plans mean your monthly payment is based on your approved income.
With these plans, your student loan balance may grow over time. Any money you put into your loan pays interest first and then principal. In many cases (especially among low-income people) this means that none of the payments go toward the principal at all.
Although your loan balance may grow under an IDR plan, it can certainly improve your cash flow situation. And if you want to pay off your debts faster, you can always pay more than the required monthly minimum.
Below you can see how different payment plans work for a single person earning $48,000 per year with a loan balance of $30,000 (assuming a loan interest rate of 6.8%).
Payment plan | Monthly payment |
|---|---|
Standard payment plan for 10 years | $345 |
Graduate Payment Plan (10 years) | $0 to $345 |
Income Conditional Repayment (ICR) | $305 |
Save | nothing |
Push | $212 |
Income Based Repayment (IBR) | $212 or $318 |
Check out our student loan calculator to learn more about paying off your student loan.
Remember that the SAVE plan will end and payments are currently paused during the grace period. Starting in 2026, a new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) will be available.
How to manage your student loan repayment
If you feel like you can’t afford the average monthly student loan payment in an IDR plan, you may be able to stop payments completely by applying for a period of forbearance.
All federal student loan borrowers can apply for forbearance at any timeStudentAid.gov. Many private lenders offer hardship periods of 12 months or longer as well. This is a big problem since private student loans are not eligible for IDR plans. These are the best private student loan lenders.
Finally, if your income and credit score are strong, you may be able to reduce your monthly payment by refinancing your student loans at a lower interest rate. These are the best companies for refinancing student loans.
People ask too
What is the average monthly student loan payment?
The average student loan payment in 2025 is $503 per month.
What is the average student loan debt?
The average student loan debt balance in 2025 is $39,375
How many borrowers pay $0 per month?
More than 11 million student loan borrowers currently have student loan payments of $0 per month due to related forbearances.
Related articles
How to Qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness [Guide]
How to pay off student loans faster
How to get rid of student loan debt
Editor: Clint Proctor
Reviewed by: Colin Greaves
The post What is the Average Monthly Student Loan Payment? appeared first on The College Investor.
