Important Announcements

On Dec. 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education announced a proposed settlement agreement that would end the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan. The settlement must be approved by the court before it can be implemented. Borrowers can use the Loan Simulator to begin exploring other repayment options. For more information, visit StudentAid.gov/courtactions.

On Oct. 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education published final Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program regulations that will be effective on July 1, 2026. We'll provide updates when the regulations are implemented. For now, there are no impacts to borrowers, payment counts, or discharges.

Visit StudentAid.gov/publicservice for more information about PSLF and current program requirements.

For more information about employer eligibility, visit StudentAid.gov/pslf/employer-search.

To apply for PSLF, use the PSLF Help Tool at StudentAid.gov/pslf.

Important Updates

PSLF and PSLF Buyback

The PSLF program is managed by the U.S. Department of Education not MOHELA. To learn more about your next steps, and general information on the programs, visit Studentaid.gov/PSLF or Studentaid.gov/PSLFbuyback.

SAVE (Saving On A Valuable Education)

On August 1, 2025, interest began accruing on the SAVE Administrative Forbearance. Visit StudentAid.gov/SAVE to learn more. You can leave the forbearance by switching to an eligible repayment plan using Loan Simulator.

2025 Tax Information

Tax information will be available by January 31. Log in and select "More" then "Tax Statements" from the navigation bar to view your tax information on or after January 31.

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Important Announcements Contact Us

In School

If you're a student currently enrolled in school and have taken out federal student loans, you're not alone—and you're taking an important step toward investing in your future. Understanding how federal student loans work while you're still in school can help you make informed decisions, avoid surprises, and set yourself up for success after graduation. From knowing what types of loans you have, to understanding interest accrual and repayment options, this guide to student loan entrance counseling  this link will open a YouTube video in a new window will walk you through the essentials so you can feel confident and in control of your financial journey.

Federal student loan amounts are awarded by your school, but the U.S. Department of Education (ED) is the lender.  ED uses servicers like MOHELA to manage your loans once they are disbursed.

Your Responsibilities

  • Complete entrance and exit counseling through your school.

  • Keep your contact information up to date so we can reach you with important account information.

  • Set up your online account.

  • You are not required to make payments at this time. If you can afford to make even some payments while you are in school, it will help save you money down the road and reduce the total amount that you repay. Consider making payments toward unsubsidized loans that accrue interest while you are in school.

When you are enrolled less than half time at your school, you will enter your six-month grace period (for Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans) when you should prepare to start making payments.

Helpful Tip: Don't Borrow More Than You Need!

  • Don't Borrow More Than You Need

  • Calculate your college and living expenses and create a budget to help you determine how much financial assistance you need.

    • Note: Don't forget to include tuition, books, food, rent, utilities, entertainment, transportation, insurance, other loan payments, etc.

  • Work with your school's Financial Aid Office – they are responsible for determining your financial aid package including scholarships, grants, loans and work-study.

    • If your expenses are lower than the package offered, you can choose to take a smaller loan, which will save you down the road.

    • Understand your school's eligibility requirements to maintain your financial aid.

  • Explore scholarships outside of those offered by your school.

  • EXAMPLE: If you take out $25,000 in student loans, it will cost you approximately $34,524.14 over 10 years on a Standard Repayment Plan if your interest rate is set at 6.8%.

Resources to Help While In School

In School Deferment

Your school will send MOHELA updated enrollment information. Remember, you are only eligible for an In School Deferment if you are enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school.

Alternatively, an In-School Deferment form is available at StudentAid.gov to complete, however we anticipate an automatic update from your school. You can check with the school for information about when they will report enrollment information to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).

Parents: You may apply for a Parent PLUS Borrower Deferment while your student is in school and for up to six months after your student is no longer enrolled at least half time. The loan will continue to accrue daily interest.

Note: Interest is always charged to you during a deferment on your unsubsidized loans or Parent Plus loans. Interest is not charged to you during a deferment on your subsidized loans.

FAQs

Please look at the left-hand column of the bill you received and note what is listed below "Bill Type." You may have received one of the following:

Bill Type Actions(s) you need to take
INSTALL

You owe payments for principal and interest. A payment is required.

This means that we have not received updated enrollment information from your school that you enrolled at least half time.

  • If you are enrolled at least half time, please ask your school to send us an official enrollment verification on school letterhead.

  • If you are enrolled less than half time and are unable to make your payment, please contact us to explore ways to lower your payments.

INTEREST

Pay the outstanding interest amount to avoid interest capitalization. Interest bills are sent 30 days prior to entering repayment.

INTEREST NOTICE

No action is needed, but the outstanding interest may capitalize if not paid.


Based on information reported by your school, we will automatically postpone your payments if you are enrolled at least half-time at an eligible college or career school. If you're a graduate or professional student who received a Direct PLUS Loan, you may qualify for an additional six months of deferment after you cease to be enrolled at least half-time.

You will enter repayment within 60 days of the school receiving all of the loan funds unless you requested to defer payment while your student is in school. You may apply for a Parent PLUS Borrower Deferment while your student is in school and for up to six months after your student is no longer enrolled at least half time. The loan will continue to accrue daily interest.

Each school may define "half time" differently. Please contact your school to determine how they define full-time, half-time and part-time enrollment.

Navigate to Loan Details and select the loan you wish to view from the drop-down. You will see your Unpaid Interest, Current Balance, interest rate(s) and more.

View the Steps to Federal Student Aid  this link will open in a new window from the U.S. Department of Education. You will need to complete the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  this link will open in a new window and complete steps with your school to determine your eligibility for financial aid.