What’s Inside — Six Chapters
Ch.01
The Loan Landscape
Before strategy, understand the system. Covers every federal loan type, who qualifies, how interest accrues, and the major July 2026 borrowing cap changes that eliminate Grad PLUS for new borrowers.
Loan TypesInterest Rates2026 Borrowing CapsGlossary
Ch.02
Repayment in 2026
The plans changed. SAVE was struck down; the new RAP plan launches July 1, 2026 as the only IDR option for new loans. Full plan comparison table and the critical IBR vs. RAP decision framework.
RAP PlanIBRStandardSAVE UpdatePlan Comparison
Ch.03
PSLF Deep Dive
The most powerful tool — for those who qualify. The four core requirements, employer eligibility by type, common mistakes, case studies, the DTI decision tool, and Parent PLUS transition rules effective July 2028.
Employer Eligibility4 RequirementsDTI ToolParent PLUSCase Studies
Ch.04
The RAP Plan, Deep Dive
How the Repayment Assistance Plan actually calculates your payment — the sliding-scale AGI breakdown, interest subsidy and principal guarantee rules, the full payment table by income and dependents, and forgiveness timeline.
Payment MathAGI Sliding ScaleInterest SubsidyPayment TableForgiveness at 30 yrs
Ch.05
Strategy & Wealth
Bringing it all together. Real borrower scenarios, tax-bomb planning for taxable forgiveness, investing vs. extra payments, managing the mental load of debt, and a year-one annual checklist.
ScenariosTax-Bomb PlanningInvesting vs. PayoffAnnual Checklist
Ch.06
New Grad FAQ
Plain answers to the questions every new graduate asks. First 90 days, Married Filing Separately for IDR, state-level loan forgiveness programs, recertification deadlines, and recovering if you've fallen behind.
First 90 DaysMFS Tax StrategyState ProgramsRecertificationRecovery
How to Read This Guide
On your computer
Click Download PDF above. Open the file in your browser or any PDF reader — Preview on Mac, Adobe Reader, or Chrome all work. The guide is fully navigable.
On your phone or tablet
Tap Download PDF from your browser. On iPhone, open with Files or Books. On Android, it saves to Downloads — open with any PDF viewer. Works offline once saved.
Print it out
The guide is print-optimized. Print at letter size, portrait orientation. The notes pages at the end of each chapter are designed to be written in.
Reading order
Each chapter builds on the last. Read in order — Chapters 1–2 first to establish context, then 3–4 for your specific path, then 5–6 to build your plan.
⚠ Educational disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only — it is not financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Loan rules, repayment plan terms, and forgiveness programs change; verify current information at studentaid.gov before making any decisions. Not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or any federal loan servicer. Consult a qualified student loan specialist for advice specific to your situation.