TCO Analysis
7 articles
Should You Consolidate Your $81K Student Loans in 2026? What It Does to Your PSLF Clock on IBR vs RAP
Consolidating federal student loans in 2026 can wipe out years of PSLF and IDR progress — see the exact math on an $81K nonprofit worker's loan comparing consolidation, IBR, and the new RAP plan.
Read more →Refinance at 5.65% Fixed vs Stay on IBR for PSLF: Total Cost on a $98K Nonprofit Loan After the July 2026 Rule Change
A federal judge just struck down the PSLF employer rule and SAVE is winding down — here's the actual dollar math on refinancing a $98K nonprofit loan at 5.65% versus staying federal for forgiveness.
Read more →Refinance at 5.49% Fixed or 3.67% Variable vs IBR: Total Cost on $88K in Grad Loans at $65K Income in 2026
If you have $88K in grad school loans at 8.05% and no path to PSLF, should you refinance at 5.49% fixed, gamble on 3.67% variable, or stay on IBR for 20 years? We model all three with full lifetime dollar costs.
Read more →Private Refi vs IBR vs Standard Repayment on $112K in Grad School Loans: Total Cost Math at $68K Income (No PSLF)
If PSLF isn't on the table, IBR's low $371 monthly payment can cost you $34K more than private refinancing over 20 years. Here's the full total cost math on a $112K grad school loan at $68K income — before the new OBBBA borrowing caps reshape what's even available.
Read more →Refinance at 5.49% Fixed or Stay on IBR: Total Cost on a $95K Grad School Loan When PSLF Isn't an Option
For grad school borrowers without PSLF eligibility, refinancing can save over $49,000 compared to 25-year IBR — but the math flips completely if your employer ever qualifies. Here's the full cost model.
Read more →PAYE vs IBR vs Standard Repayment on $78K in Student Loans: What Each Plan Actually Costs at $56K Income
Choosing between PAYE, IBR, and Standard repayment on $78K in student loans at $56K income isn't a monthly payment decision — it's a $40,000+ lifetime cost decision. Here's the full math on every plan available to you in 2026.
Read more →Refinance at 3.67% Variable vs. 5.49% Fixed vs. IBR: Which Costs Less on $92K With No PSLF Eligibility?
For private sector borrowers with $92K in federal loans and no PSLF eligibility, the difference between staying on IBR and refinancing to today's lowest rates can exceed $150,000 in total repayment cost. Here's the math.
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