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Parent PLUS Loan Calculator — Compare Repayment Plans

Calculate payments and compare Standard, Graduated, Extended, and ICR plans. See retirement impact. 2026: 8.05% fixed, 4.228% origination fee.

Calculate PLUS PaymentsEnter loan amount, rate, and repayment plan

Why This Matters for Your Finances

Why: PLUS loans help parents fund college but parent is fully responsible. Don't sacrifice retirement—prioritize your nest egg.

How: PMT = P × [r(1+r)^n]/[(1+r)^n−1]. Total loan = amount × (1 + origination%). Standard 10yr, Extended up to 25yr, ICR income-based.

  • ●2026: 8.05% fixed, 4.228% origination
  • ●Standard 10yr = lowest interest
  • ●ICR = only IDR option for parents
Sources:StudentAid.govIRS Pub 970

Sample Scenarios — Click to Load

Loan Information

Amount borrowing
$
2026: 8.05%
%
2026: 4.228%
%
Repayment period
years

Repayment Plan

Parent Information

Your age now
years
When you plan to retire
years

⚠️For educational purposes only — not financial advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making decisions.

💡 Money Facts

8.05%

2026 PLUS fixed rate

— StudentAid

4.228%

2026 origination fee

— StudentAid

$2,500

Max interest deduction

— IRS

1. Key Takeaways

  • • PLUS = federal parent loan for dependent undergrads
  • • Parent fully responsible — cannot transfer to student
  • • 2026: 8.05% fixed, 4.228% origination fee
  • • Standard 10yr = lowest interest; Extended/ICR = lower payment
  • • Pay interest during school to avoid capitalization
  • • Don't sacrifice retirement — prioritize nest egg

2. Did You Know?

2026 Rate

8.05% fixed, 4.228% fee

No Limit

Up to cost of attendance

ICR

Only IDR for parents

Death Discharge

Forgiven if parent or student dies

Tax Deduct

Up to $2,500 interest

PSLF

Eligible if parent works govt/nonprofit

3. How It Works

PMT = P × [r(1+r)^n]/[(1+r)^n−1]. Total loan = amount × (1 + origination%). Standard: 10yr fixed. Graduated: low start, increases. Extended: up to 25yr. ICR: income-based, 25yr.

Inputs

Loan amount, interest rate, origination fee, term, repayment plan, parent age, retirement age

Outputs

Monthly payment, total paid, total interest, retirement impact

4. Expert Tips

Borrow minimum

Only what's needed

Pay interest

During school avoids cap

Consider refinance

Private may offer lower rate

Retirement first

Don't cut 401k for PLUS

5. Comparison Table

PlanTermMonthlyInterest
Standard10 yrHighestLowest
Graduated10 yrRisingMore
ExtendedUp to 25 yrLowerMost
ICR25 yrIncome-basedMost

6. FAQ

Child take over?

No. Parent responsible. Student can refinance into own loan.

Interest deductible?

Yes, up to $2,500/yr (income limits).

Can't make payments?

Deferment, forbearance, or ICR. PSLF if eligible.

Death?

Discharged if parent or student dies.

7. Quick Stats

8.05%

2026 rate

4.228%

Origination

10yr

Standard

25yr

ICR max

8. Sources

StudentAid.govIRS Pub 970

9. Disclaimer

⚠️ Warning: Estimates only. Verify with loan servicer. Not financial advice.

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