Video: Federal Loan Repayment - Find the Best Repayment Plan for You (AccessLex Institute)
Once the requirements are complete for your law degree, it is time to start thinking about repayment. All students that received a federal loan must complete an exit counseling/interview. Failure to do so could cause a stop to be placed on your record which will prevent grades from posting and delay your diploma.
Understanding your loan agreement, staying on top of your loan information, and making sure to contact your loan servicer if you are having trouble making payments can help you avoid default. Remember, federal student loans are real loans and must be repaid. Understanding the repayment process for your federal student loans can go a long way toward building a solid financial foundation.
NEVER ignore delinquency or default notices from your loan servicer. If you don’t make your monthly loan payments, you will become delinquent on your student loan and risk going into default. A deferment or forbearance is available and it will allow you to temporarily postpone making your federal student loan payments or to temporarily reduce the amount you pay. Contact your servicer immediately if you are having trouble making payments or won't be able to pay on time.
You can view all of your federal loan information (Perkins, Stafford and Grad Plus loans) on line at National Student Loan Data System for Students (ed.gov). Your PIN is the same as when you file your FAFSA. Private loans will not be reported to NSLDS.
You have a choice of several repayment plans that are designed to meet your needs. The amount you pay and the length of time to repay your loans will vary depending on the repayment plan you choose.
Standard Repayment Plan
Graduated Repayment Plan
Extended Repayment Plan
Revised Pay as You Earn (REPAYE)
Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan (PAYE)
Income Based Repayment Plan (IBR)
Income Contingent Repayment Plan (ICR)
Income Sensitive Repayment Plan (ISR)
Selecting the repayment plan that meets your needs requires the right strategy. AccessLex Institute can help you create your strategy, explain the different federal repayment plans, discuss loan consolidation and more. Read the Road to Zero online.
Helpful Information and Links as You Prepare for Repayment:
Department of Education Federal Student Aid
Public Service Loan Forgiveness - DOE
AccessLex Institute/AccessConnex
Take Control Of Your Financial Future - Equal Justice Works
FinAid - The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid
Loan Simulator | Federal Student Aid
Loan Calculator (AccessLex Institute)
Texas Access to Justice Foundation
Ultimate Guide to Paying Down Student Loan Debt
University of Houston Law Center
Financial Aid & Scholarship Office
4170 Martin Luther King Blvd
Houston, TX 77204-6060
(713) 743-2269
School code 003652
lawfinaid@uh.edu
