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What is a Student Loan Grace Period?
By
Kayla Korzekwinski
Kayla Korzekwinski is a Scholarships360 content writer. She earned her BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied Advertising/PR, Rhetorical Communication, and Anthropology. Kayla has worked on communications for non-profits and student organizations. She loves to write and come up with new ways to express ideas.
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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.
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If you recently graduated or left college with loans, you may be asking yourself the following question: What is a student loan grace period? Most students who borrowed loans will receive a grace period on their payments. This is especially true if you have federal student loans. Continue reading to learn about student loan grace periods!
Also see: Can I defer my student loans if I go to grad school?
What is a student loan grace period?
A student loan grace period is a timeframe when student loan payments do not need to be made. The grace period starts when a student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half time enrollment. The grace period is a time for the student loan borrower to find employment and establish their finances before having to make monthly payments.
The length and conditions of the grace period depends on the lender and type of loan.
Related: How to defer student loans
Federal student loan grace periods
Federal Direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans have a grace period of 6 months. Unsubsidized loans will accrue interest during the grace period. Subsidized loans will not accrue interest until you begin making payments.
Federal Perkins loans typically have a grace period of 9 months. However, you should contact the school that gave you the Perkins loan to be sure.
Federal parent PLUS loans do not have a grace period. Payment on PLUS loans begins when the loan is disbursed. Though, it is possible to have repayment deferred for up to 6 months. Parents who borrowed a PLUS loan for their student can request that payments not begin until after the student finishes school. A request form must be submitted by the parent to receive this deferment.
Graduate or professional students with PLUS loans will automatically receive a 6-month deferment after they graduate or leave school.
Also see: Student loan default: What it is and how to avoid it
Private student loan grace periods
The grace period for private student loans varies between lenders. Typically, the grace period for private lenders is 6 months. Some lenders have a longer grace period. For example, Earnest has a 9-month grace period. Other lenders don’t have a grace period at all. Be sure you know the grace period of your loans when you borrow them.
Private student loans will accrue interest during the grace period.
What to do during the grace period
Though there are no payments due during the grace period, you should not ignore your student loans. Use the time to get your finances in order and prepare to start making payments.
First, make a list that includes all the loans you have. Include the principal balance, interest rate, and payment plan for each one. Also, check how long the grace period is for each loan. This will help you keep track of your debt. It will also help you decide which loans to prioritize if you make extra payments.
Next, update your contact information with your servicer. This is how you will receive notice that your first payment is due.
If you have federal loans, use the grace period to decide which repayment plan you’d like to use. Borrowers of federal loans will automatically be enrolled in the standard 10-year plan. There are also 4 income-driven repayment plans, a graduated repayment plan, and an extended repayment plan.
See also: All about income-driven repayment plans
Lastly, consider making payments during the grace period. This will make progress in repaying your debt early on. Payments are especially useful if your loans are subsidized because you’ll be paying toward the principal balance.
Things that could affect the grace period
There are a few circumstances that may affect the grace period for federal student loans.
Active duty
If you are called for active duty in the military for more than 30 days before the end of your grace period, you will receive the full 6-month grace period when you return.
Return to school
If you re-enroll in school before the end of your grace period, you will receive the full 6-months when you finish school or drop below half time enrollment.
Consolidation
Consolidating your federal loans into a Direct Consolidation loan before the end of the grace period will forfeit the remaining time. However, you can request that the consolidation not be processed until closer to the end of your grace period.
See also: How to consolidate and refinance student loans
Remember, payments will start again!
The grace period on student loans is a time when you don’t have to make monthly payments. Be sure to use the time to get your finances in order and prepare for payment to start!
Learn more about: Public service loan forgiveness
Key Takeaways
Frequently asked questions about student loan grace periods
Does interest accrue during student loan grace period?
Can you forgo your student loan grace period?
What is the difference between a grace period and a post enrollment deferment?
How long is the student loan grace period?
