All

How Do You Use the Student Loan Simulator?

Learn how to use the StudentAid.gov Loan Simulator to compare repayment plans, estimate monthly payments, and see tradeoffs before changing your loans.

Direct answer

To use the StudentAid.gov Loan Simulator, sign in if you want the tool to pull your federal loan data, or use manual inputs for estimates. Compare repayment plans by monthly payment, payoff timeline, and total cost. The simulator is a planning tool; choosing an option there does not automatically enroll you in a repayment plan or consolidation.

loan data + repayment goal + simulator comparison = planning estimate, not enrollment

Simulator choices

Sign in

You want federal loan data pulled automatically

Still produces estimates

Manual inputs

You cannot or do not want to sign in

Accuracy depends on what you enter

Compare IDR

You want income-based payment estimates

Eligibility is not guaranteed

Compare consolidation

You want to test combining loans

Application is separate

Pick a plan

You found a preferred scenario

Must apply or contact servicer separately

Choice	Use when	Limit
Sign in	You want federal loan data pulled automatically	Still produces estimates
Manual inputs	You cannot or do not want to sign in	Accuracy depends on what you enter
Compare IDR	You want income-based payment estimates	Eligibility is not guaranteed
Compare consolidation	You want to test combining loans	Application is separate
Pick a plan	You found a preferred scenario	Must apply or contact servicer separately

Simulator results are not final loan action

The simulator can help you compare options, but final payment amounts, plan approval, consolidation, and servicer processing happen through separate official steps.

Use the simulator

1Open the StudentAid.gov Loan Simulator.
2Sign in for real federal loan data or choose manual inputs.
3Enter income, family size, loan balances, and repayment goals as prompted.
4Compare monthly payment, payoff timeline, and total cost across options.
5Use the appropriate application or servicer path if you decide to change repayment.

FAQ

Do I need to sign in to use the Loan Simulator?

No. You can use manual or demo-style inputs, but signing in lets the simulator use your federal loan information for more specific estimates.

Does choosing a plan in the simulator enroll me automatically?

No. The simulator compares options. You still need to submit the appropriate repayment-plan, consolidation, or servicer request to make a change.

Can the simulator compare consolidation and IDR options?

Yes. It can help compare repayment scenarios, but estimates are not final approval or a guarantee of future servicer outcomes.

Sources & method

We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.