When are student loans due is one of the most common and stressful questions borrowers ask, especially around graduation or repayment restarts. Your exact due date depends on your loan type, enrollment status, and repayment plan. This guide explains federal student loan due dates, grace periods, SAVE plan timelines, and how to find your specific payment schedule.
Key Takeaways
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Most federal student loans start repayment six months after graduation or dropping below half-time.
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Your loan servicer sets your exact monthly due date, not your school.
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Payments are billed monthly, with statements sent about three weeks before the due date.
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PLUS loan rules differ for graduate students and parents.
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SAVE plan payments still follow monthly due dates, even if the amount is $0.
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You must choose a repayment plan before your first bill or you’ll default to Standard Repayment.
What Is When Are Student Loans Due Really Asking?
Borrowers asking when are student loans due are usually trying to identify the first required payment date or confirm their ongoing monthly deadline.
Understanding Student Loan Due Dates
For federal student loans, due dates are governed by U.S. Department of Education rules and administered by your loan servicer. While federal policy sets the framework, your servicer assigns the actual calendar date.
Federal vs. Private Loan Differences
Federal loans include grace periods and income-driven plans. Private loans often require payments immediately or within 30–90 days of leaving school, making federal rules far more flexible.
Why Do Student Loan Due Dates Matter So Much?
Missing a due date can lead to late fees, credit damage, and eventual default.
Credit and Financial Consequences
According to the U.S. Department of Education, delinquency is reported after 90 days, and default occurs after 270 days of missed payments for federal loans. These marks can remain on your credit report for years.
Budgeting and Cash Flow Planning
Knowing when student loans are due each month helps borrowers plan rent, utilities, and other fixed expenses without surprises.
How Do You Find Out Exactly When Your Student Loans Are Due?
Your specific due date is always available through your loan servicer.
Step-by-Step: Find Your Due Date
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Log in to your account at StudentAid.gov
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Identify your federal loan servicer
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Sign in to your servicer’s portal
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Review your repayment schedule and billing statements
Monthly Billing Timeline
Most servicers send a billing statement about 21 days before the payment is due, showing the amount, due date, and repayment plan.
When Are Student Loans Due After Graduation?
This is where most borrowers need clarity.
The Six-Month Grace Period Explained
Most Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans include a six-month grace period after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment.
Official definition: The Federal Student Aid office defines the grace period as “a set period of time after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment before you must begin repayment.”
What Happens During the Grace Period
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No payments are required
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Interest does accrue on unsubsidized loans
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You can select or change your repayment plan
When Are Student Loans Due for PLUS Loans?
PLUS loans follow different rules depending on the borrower.
Graduate and Professional PLUS Loans
Graduate borrowers receive an automatic six-month deferment after leaving school, similar to the standard grace period.
Parent PLUS Loans
Parent borrowers can request a deferment until six months after the student graduates or drops below half-time. Without this request, payments may begin sooner.
When Are Student Loans Due Each Month?
Once repayment begins, federal student loans are billed monthly.
Monthly Due Date Basics
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Same due date every month (for example, the 15th)
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Auto-pay can shift processing earlier
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Weekend or holiday dates typically move to the next business day
Can You Change Your Due Date?
Many servicers allow you to request a different monthly due date to align with your paycheck cycle.
When Are Student Loans Due Under the SAVE Plan?
The SAVE plan does not change when payments are due—only how much you owe.
SAVE Plan Payment Timing
Payments are still due monthly, even if your calculated payment is $0 due to income.
When Are Student Loans Due Again SAVE Plan Borrowers?
If your loans were paused or recalculated, payments resume on the next scheduled billing cycle listed by your servicer.
When Are Student Loans Due in 2026?
For most borrowers, 2026 does not introduce a new universal due date.
What Could Change in 2026
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Annual income recertification deadlines
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Payment recalculations under income-driven plans
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Potential policy updates (subject to federal law changes)
Your monthly due date will remain consistent unless you change servicers or repayment plans.
Common Student Loan Due Date Scenarios (Table)
| Scenario | When Payments Start |
|---|---|
| Graduated in May | November (after grace period) |
| Dropped below half-time | Six months later |
| Parent PLUS without deferment | Immediately |
| SAVE plan approval | Next billing cycle |
| Returned to school half-time | Payments paused |
Mistakes to Avoid With Student Loan Due Dates
Small errors can become costly.
Common Borrower Errors
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Assuming loans are due immediately after graduation
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Ignoring billing emails
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Forgetting income recertification deadlines
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Missing the first payment after grace period
How to Stay Protected
Set up autopay, confirm contact information, and review your servicer account monthly.
Long-Term Impact of Managing Due Dates Correctly
Understanding when student loans are due supports long-term financial health.
Benefits of On-Time Payments
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Stronger credit score
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Lower interest through autopay discounts
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Eligibility for forgiveness programs
Strategic Repayment Planning
Early awareness allows borrowers to choose the SAVE plan, Standard Repayment, or extended options before penalties occur.
Conclusion + Next Steps
Knowing when are student loans due removes uncertainty and prevents costly mistakes. Check your servicer account, confirm your grace period status, and select a repayment plan before your first bill arrives. Staying proactive ensures your student loans support your future—not hold it back.
FAQs
When are student loans due after graduation?
Most federal student loans are due six months after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment.
When are student loans due each month?
Federal student loans are billed monthly on a fixed date set by your loan servicer.
When are student loans due again under the SAVE plan?
SAVE plan payments resume according to your servicer’s regular billing cycle, even if your payment amount is $0.
When are student loans due in 2026?
There is no universal 2026 due date; payments continue monthly unless your repayment plan or servicer changes.
How do I find my exact student loan due date?
Log into your loan servicer’s online portal or review your monthly billing statement.
