Parent PLUS Loan Calculator

Calculate monthly payments for Parent PLUS student loans. Includes origination fees and total cost of borrowing for your child's education.

Free to use
12,500+ users
Updated January 2025
Instant results

Parent PLUS

Total Borrowed
$167.3k
Monthly
$2.1k
Total Cost
$255.3k

Significant Retirement Impact

Reduced retirement contributions could cost you $165,542 in lost future value. Consider having your student maximize federal loans first.

High Payment-to-Income Ratio

Your loan payment would be 34.0% of monthly income. Financial advisors recommend keeping student loan payments under 15% of income.

Total Borrowed
$167.3k
Over 4 years
Monthly Payment
$2.1k
10-year standard
Total Interest
$87.9k
52.5% of principal
Age at Payoff
60
15y until retirement

Amount borrowed each year

Typical college cost increase: 3-5% annually

2024-25: 9.08%

2024-25: 4.228%

Number of additional children who will need Parent PLUS loans

Loan Summary

Year 1:$40,000
Year 2:$41,200
Year 3:$42,436
Year 4:$43,709
Total Borrowed:$167,345
Origination Fees:-$7,075
Net Disbursed:$160,270
Standard (10-Year)

Fixed payment for 10 years

$2,127/mo
10 years
Total Paid
$255.3k
Interest
$87.9k
Forgiveness
$0
Graduated (10-Year)

Payments increase every 2 years

$1,064/mo
10 years
Total Paid
$165.9k
Interest
$154.4k
Forgiveness
$0
Extended (25-Year)

Lower payment, longer term

$1,414/mo
25 years
Total Paid
$424.1k
Interest
$256.7k
Forgiveness
$0
ICR (Income-Contingent)

Based on income, possible forgiveness

$820/mo
25 years
Total Paid
$245.9k
Interest
$753.3k
Forgiveness
$674.7k

ICR Forgiveness Tax Bomb

Forgiven amount is taxable income in the year of forgiveness.

Forgiven Amount:$674,735
Est. Tax Owed:$148,442

Parent PLUS Loan Tips

  • High rates: Parent PLUS loans have higher rates than student federal loans (9.08% vs 6.53%)
  • Student loans first: Have student max out federal Direct Loans ($27k total) before Parent PLUS
  • Retirement risk: Don't sacrifice retirement security - you can't borrow for retirement
  • ICR option: Consolidate to access Income-Contingent Repayment with possible forgiveness
  • No co-signer: Student is not responsible; loan is parent's obligation only
  • Multiple children: Consider total debt load if borrowing for multiple kids
  • Alternatives: Compare with private loans, home equity, or having student work

Understanding Parent PLUS Loan Calculator

[Educational content introduction - 3 paragraphs explaining the calculator's purpose, importance, and how it helps users make better financial decisions.]

Key Terms You Should Know

Key Term 1

[Definition and explanation]

How It Works

[Step-by-step process explanation with examples]

8 Best Practices

8 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Related Topics & Keywords

Frequently Asked Questions

Start Using the Parent PLUS Loan Calculator Today

[CTA message encouraging users to try the calculator]