Student loans are due after your grace period ends, which is typically six months after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment. For federal loans, the exact due date depends on your loan type and your repayment plan. Private loans may have different rules, so it’s important to check your loan agreement.
The first payment date is set by your loan servicer, and it can be any day of the month. You’ll receive a bill or notice about 21 days before your first payment is due. Always confirm your due date with your servicer to avoid late fees.
Understanding Your Grace Period
A grace period is a set time after you leave school before you must start making payments. For most federal loans, this period lasts six months. During this time, no payment is required, but interest may accrue on certain loan types.
Which loans have a six-month grace period?
Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct Graduate PLUS Loans all have a six-month grace period. Federal Perkins Loans have a nine-month grace period, but these are rare now. Parent PLUS Loans do not have a grace period; repayment starts within 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed.
Private student loan grace periods
Private lenders set their own grace periods, which can range from zero to nine months. Some private loans require payments while you’re still in school, while others offer deferment. Always read your promissory note to know your exact terms.
When Does Repayment Begin?
For federal loans, repayment begins after your grace period ends. For example, if you graduate in May 2026, your first payment would be due around November 2026. Your servicer will assign a specific due date, often the same day each month.
| Loan Type | Grace Period | Repayment Start |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized | 6 months | After grace period ends |
| Direct Graduate PLUS | 6 months | After grace period ends |
| Federal Perkins | 9 months | After grace period ends |
| Parent PLUS | None | 60 days after disbursement |
If you re-enroll in school at least half-time before your grace period ends, your grace period resets. This means you get a full six months again when you leave school the next time. However, you must notify your loan servicer if you re-enroll.
What If You Can’t Make a Payment?
If you’re struggling to pay, you have options. Contact your loan servicer immediately—don’t wait until you miss a payment. They can help you change your repayment plan or apply for deferment or forbearance.
- Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans can lower your monthly payment based on your income.
- Deferment lets you temporarily stop payments, and for subsidized loans, interest may not accrue.
- Forbearance also allows you to pause payments, but interest always accrues.
- Consolidation can combine multiple federal loans into one, but it may reset your progress toward forgiveness.
Missing a payment can lead to late fees, damage to your credit score, and eventually default. Default occurs after 270 days of missed payments for federal loans. Default has serious consequences, including wage garnishment.
How to Find Your Exact Due Date
Your loan servicer is your point of contact for all payment questions. You can log into your online account to see your due date, payment amount, and loan balance. If you don’t know your servicer, log in to the Federal Student Aid website with your FSA ID.
Set up automatic payments to ensure you never miss a due date. Many servicers offer a small interest rate reduction (like 0.25%) for enrolling in autopay. Just make sure you have enough funds in your bank account on the due date.
If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, your payment is typically due the next business day. However, it’s best to schedule your payment a few days early to avoid any processing delays.
Special Situations
Returning to school
If you go back to school at least half-time before your grace period ends, you get a new grace period when you leave again. But if you’ve already entered repayment, you may qualify for an in-school deferment. You must request this deferment from your servicer.
Military service
If you’re on active duty, you may qualify for a deferment or interest rate cap under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Contact your servicer to apply and provide documentation of your service.
Loan forgiveness programs
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) requires 120 qualifying payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer. Your due date still matters, but you must make payments on time and under the right repayment plan. Track your payments carefully.
In summary, student loans are due after your grace period, usually six months after leaving school. Your specific due date is set by your servicer, and you can find it online or by calling. Always stay in touch with your servicer, explore repayment options if needed, and never ignore a missed payment. Knowing your due date is the first step to successful repayment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after graduation do student loans become due?
For most federal student loans, the first payment is due about six months after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment. Private loans may have different grace periods, so check your loan agreement.
Can I change my student loan due date?
Yes, many loan servicers allow you to request a different monthly due date. You can log into your account or call your servicer to ask, but not all requests are guaranteed.
What happens if I miss my first student loan payment?
If you miss your first payment, you may face a late fee, and your loan will be reported as delinquent to credit bureaus. Contact your servicer immediately to discuss options like deferment or forbearance.
Do student loans become due immediately if I drop out?
No, dropping out starts your grace period, but the clock begins right away. For federal loans, you get six months from the day you drop below half-time enrollment before your first payment is due.
Are student loans due during the grace period?
No, you are not required to make payments during the grace period. However, interest may accrue on unsubsidized loans, and you can choose to make voluntary payments to reduce your balance.
