Managing Repayment

Undergrad Undergrad Tuition & Financial Aid About the Process

Take control of your student loans with smart planning and clear steps for repayment.

Managing your student loans starts now. Whether you’re graduating, dropping below half-time enrollment, or leaving Bethel, these steps will help you prepare for repayment and make informed financial decisions.

1. Borrow wisely

Compare your borrowing options and make sure you make the choice that is best for you. Your education is an investment and borrowing wisely is important to your future success.

2. Complete exit counseling

If you’ve received federal loans or a TEACH Grant, exit counseling is required to review your rights and responsibilities.

  • Federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Complete exit counseling at studentaid.gov.
  • TEACH Grants. Complete exit counseling at studentaid.gov.

3. Consider repayment options

You’ll work with your loan servicer to select a repayment plan that fits your financial situation. The How to Repay Your Loans section on studentaid.gov offers details on:

  • Standard repayment. Fixed monthly payments over 10 years.
  • Income-driven repayment plans. Payments based on your income and family size.
  • Loan forgiveness options. Explore programs like Teacher Loan Forgiveness and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Considering loan consolidation? Consolidating federal loans can simplify your payments with a fixed interest rate. Learn more about the pros and cons of loan consolidation before deciding:

4. Explore additional resources

These tools to help you manage repayment: