Exit Counseling

Presented by:

Don Buehrer

Why do I need to attend?

• Federal regulations require schools to provide exit counseling for students: −Who have borrowed a Stafford and/or Grad

PLUS loan under the Federal Direct Loan Program (Direct Loan) and/or the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) and

−who are graduating, have withdrawn or have dropped below half-time enrollment.

Promissory Note (MPN)

• An agreement to pay back loan(s)• Details borrower rights and responsibilities• Subsidized Loan

−Need-based loan. Government pays interest while enrolled, during grace and deferments

• Unsubsidized Loan−Non-need based. Borrower responsible for all interest

When repayment begins

• Stafford loans have a grace period; repayment begins six months after student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time enrollment.

• PLUS (GradPLUS) loans have a deferment period; repayment begins six months after student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time enrollment.

−Direct Loan Servicing Center or lender will send notification of your first payment due date during your grace/deferment period.

Borrower responsibilities

• Borrowing money is a serious matter and all loans must be paid back.

• Not receiving billing statement is not an excuse for not making payments.

• Even if you did not complete your program, didn't complete your program within the regular time for program completion, are dissatisfied with quality of education, or can’t find a job, you must pay back the loan(s).

Consequences of default

• Loss of federal financial aid eligibility• Withholding of federal income tax refunds• Inability to renew professional license

(e.g., lawyer, doctor)• Negative credit history (will affect credit

purchase of house, car, etc.)

Consequences of default

• Wage withholding• May be sued• Collection fees and attorney’s fees assessed

−Up to 33.3%

• Enforcement of delinquent debt collection procedures

• Not dischargeable via Bankruptcy

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

• During the past three years, 1,873 students have entered repayment.

• Only 8 have defaulted • 2.1% rate for these three years• National default rate is 8.8%

Attachment A: Sample monthly repayment amounts

Loan Amount

4% 5% 6% 7% 8% 9%

$1,000 $10.12 $10.61 $11.10 $11.61 $12.13 $12.67

$10,000 $101.25 $106.07 $111.02 $116.11 $121.33 $126.68

$20,000 $202.49 $212.13 $222.04 $232.22 $242.66 $253.35

$30,000 $303.74 $318.20 $333.06 $348.33 $363.98 $380.03

$40,000 $404.98 $424.26 $444.08 $464.43 $485.31 $506.70

$50,000 $506.23 $530.33 $555.10 $580.54 $606.64 $633.38

$60,000 $607.47 $636.39 $666.12 $696.65 $727.97 $760.05

Interest Rates

Attachment A: Sample monthly repayment amounts

Loan Amount

4% 5% 6% 7% 8% 9%

$70,000 $708.72 $742.46 $777.14 $812.76 $849.29 $886.73

$80,000 $809.96 $848.52 $888.16 $928.87 $970.62 $1013.41

$90,000 $911.21 $954.50 $999.18 $1044.98 $1091.95 $1140.08

$100,000 $1012.45 $1060.66 $1110.21 $1161.08 $1213.28 $1266.76

$110,000 $1113.70 $1166.72 $1221.23 $1277.19 $1334.60 $1393.43

$120,000 $1214.94 $1272.79 $1332.25 $1393.30 $1455.93 $1520.11

$130,000 $1316.19 $1378.85 $1443.27 $1509.41 $1577.26 $1646.79

Interest Rates

Attachment A: Sample monthly repayment amounts

Loan Amount

4% 5% 6% 7% 8% 9%

$140,000 $1417.43 $1484.92 $1554.29 $1625.52 $1698.59 $1773.46

$150,000 $1518.68 $1590.98 $1605.31 $1741.63 $1819.91 $1900.14

$160,000 $1619.92 $1697.05 $1776.33 $1857.74 $1941.24 $2026.81

$170,000 $1721.17 $1803.11 $1887.35 $1973.84 $2062.57 $2153.49

$180,000 $1822.41 $1909.18 $1998.37 $2089.95 $2183.90 $2280.16

$190,000 $1923.66 $2015.24 $2109.39 $2206.06 $2305.22 $2406.84

$200,000 $2024.90 $2121.31 $2220.41 $2322.17 $2426.55 $2533.52

Interest Rates

Your repayment schedule

Stafford

• Loan Balance*− $160,000

• Anticipated Monthly Payment − $ 1,841

• No. of Payments =120 • Interest Rate = 6.8%• Total Interest Paid

− $60,955 • Total Amount Paid

− $220,955

*Loan balance is based on the school’s average indebtedness and payment is calculated using the Standard Repayment Plan

PLUS• Loan Balance*

− $ 7,654• Anticipated Monthly Payment

− $ 92.86• No. of Payments = 120 • Interest Rate = 8.0%• Total Interest Paid

− $ 3,489.96• Total Amount Paid

− $ 11,143.96

*Loan balance is based on the school’s average indebtedness and payment is calculated using the Standard Repayment Plan

Repayment plans

Offered under both FDLP & FFELP www.studentaid.ed.gov

• Standard • Graduated • Extended • Income-based

Specific to loan program • Income-contingent (FDLP)• Income-sensitive (FFELP)

Repayment plans

• For all repayment plans, student can:−Prepay loans without penalty; −Pay on a shorter schedule; and −Change repayment plans once per year.

Standard Repayment Plan

• Lowest total loan cost• Regular payments of both principal and

interest are due monthly, excluding periods of deferment and forbearance

• Minimum monthly payment is $50 • 10-year repayment term

Graduated Repayment Plan

• Monthly payments are smaller at the start of the repayment period and gradually increase every two years

• 10-year repayment term• Total amount paid in interest will be greater

than under the standard repayment plan

Extended Repayment Plan

• Lengthens repayment term up to 25 years• Available to borrowers with more than

$30,000 in federal student loans (per program)

• Total interest costs may be higher over life of the loan, although monthly payment amount may be lower

Income-Based Repayment Plan (IBR)

• Borrowers may qualify for lower monthly payments as determined by adjusted gross income, federal student loan debt, and family size

• After 25 years (300 payments), remaining balance and accrued interest may be forgiven

• Must reapply annually• ibrinfo.org

Income Based Repayment

• Any Stafford, GradPLUS or Consolidation Loan made under either FFELP or FDLP is eligible for repayment under IBR, EXCEPT loans that are currently in default, parent PLUS Loans, or Consolidation loans that repaid a parent PLUS Loan

Repayment Comparison

• The Income Based Repayment plan example is calculated based on an annual gross income of $30,000 and a family size of one living in the USA. Monthly payment amounts under the IBR plan may change annually based on the borrower’s annual gross income and family size. Any remaining balance, including interest, is forgiven after 25 years of qualifying payments

Repayment Comparison ($45,000)

Standard Graduated Extended Income Based

Income Sensitive (FFEL ONLY)

Income Contingent (DL ONLY)

Monthly Payment

$518 Yrs 1-2 $356Yrs 3-4$432Yrs 5-10$647

$312 Min $172Max $518

Yr 1 $100Yrs 2-10 $582

Yr 1 $320Max $400

Term 10 Years 10 years 25 years 25 years 10 years 17 years

Total Interest

$17,143 $20,500 $48,701 $59,997 $19,061 $44,505

Total Paid $62,143 $65,500 $93,701 $98,130 $64,061 $78,505

Income-Sensitive Repayment Plan

• Offered only to borrowers under the FFELP• Monthly payment varies according to gross

monthly income• Monthly payment covers at least monthly

accruing interest• Must reapply annually• Total interest costs will be higher over the life

of your loan than with standard repayment• Maximum repayment period is 10 years

Repayment Comparison

• The Income Sensitive Repayment Plan is calculated based on an annual gross income of $30,000 and a family size of one living in the USA. Total interest paid over the life of the loan and the term will vary depending on the percentage of income that the borrower chooses to allocate each year to the loan payment. Only offered for FFEL Loans

Repayment Comparison ($90,000)

Standard Graduated Extended Income Based

Income Sensitive (FFEL ONLY)

Income Contingent (DL ONLY)

Monthly Payment

$1,036 Yrs 1-2 $711Yrs 3-4$865Yrs 5-10 $1,294.11

$625 Min $172Max $548

Yr 1 $100Yrs 2-10 $1,179

Yr 1 $320Max $827

Term 10 years 10 years 25 years 25 years 10 years 25 years

Total Interest

$34,286 $41,000 $97,398 $97,909 $38,580 $146,603

Total Paid $124,286 $131,000 $187,398 $98,564 $128,580 $168,964

Income-Contingent Repayment Plan

• Offered only to borrowers under the Direct Loan Program

• Monthly payment based on adjusted gross income, family size, and total Direct Loan debt

• If payment does not cover interest accrued, unpaid amount is capitalized annually.

• Maximum repayment period is 25 years and any balance after 25 years (time spent in deferment or forbearance does not count) is forgiven.

Repayment Comparison

• The Income Contingent Repayment plan example is calculated based on an annual gross income of $30,000 and a family size of one living in the USA. This repayment amount will be recalculated annually and is subject to change, based on the poverty guidelines per family size as determined by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. This plan has a maximum term of 25 years and is only offered for Direct Loans

Repayment Comparison ($135,000)

Standard Graduated Extended Income Based

Income Sensitive

Income Contingent

Monthly Payment

$1,554 Yrs 1-2$1,067Yrs 3-4 $1,297Yrs 5-10$1,941

$937 Min $172Max $548

Yr 1 $100Yrs 2-10 $1,777

Yr 1 $320Max $915

Term 10 years 10 years 25 years 25 years 10 years 25 years

Total Interest

$51,430 $61,500 $146,100 $98,564 $58,099 $169,833

Total Paid $186,430 $196,500 $281,100 $98.564 $193, 099 $170,905

Loan consolidation

• Option to combine federal education (not private loans) loans

• Loans must be in grace or repayment status• Original loans are paid in full

−New loan for the combined balances is issued with new terms, including a new interest rate that is fixed for the life of the loan

• www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov

Special Direct Loan Consolidation Program

• Must have FFEL and DL• Fixed rate (not to exceed 8.25%) after

applying a 0.25% interest rate reduction to the FFEL loans being consolidated

• Each loan that is consolidated retains its original repayment term.

• www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov

Consolidation — factors to consider

• Negatives −Total interest paid may be greater−May extend repayment period −May lose benefits (e.g., grace period, loan

forgiveness, cancellation, deferment, or a reduced interest rate)

Consolidation — factors to consider

• Positives −May significantly lower monthly payments−Simplifies repayment — one monthly payment−No minimum or maximum loan amounts or

fees with Direct Loan consolidation

Consolidation tips

• Compare and weigh all options• For more information on consolidating your

loans, and how to apply go to −www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov

Split Loan Issues

• Loans owned and serviced by lenders• Loans owned by DOE and serviced by federal

servicers−Nelnet, Great Lakes, FedLoan Servicing, Sallie Mae,

and several non-profits

• Direct Loans• www.nslds.ed.gov

Deferments and Forbearances

• No specific deferments for medical students• No longer eligible for an Economic Hardship

deferment• Most medical students select residency

forbearance or graduate fellowship deferment• $160,000 loan at 6.8% interest generates

appx. $3,574 of interest in 120 days.

Deferments

• A deferment is a period of time when payment on a loan is temporarily postponed.

• Interest payment− Federal Government pays the interest during

deferments for subsidized loans and for the underlying subsidized loans that were consolidated

−Borrower is responsible for the interest for unsubsidized loans and GRAD and PLUS loans and for the underlying unsubsidized loans that were consolidated

Types of Deferments

• Enrolled at least half time in an eligible postsecondary institution

• Unemployed or experiencing economic hardship ( limited to 3 years)

• Military service, including the National Guard• Studying full time in a graduate fellowship program or an

approved disability rehabilitation program• www.studentaid.ed.gov• Continue to make your payments until you have been

notified by your servicer/lender that your deferment has been granted.

Forbearance

• Forbearance is a temporary postponement or reduction of payments for a period of time−Personal problems such as poor health or economic

hardship−Affected by circumstances such as a national

emergency, military mobilization or natural disaster−Are servicing in a position that may, after a specified

period of service, qualify you for loan forgiveness, partial repayment of your loan or a national service educational award

Forbearance

• The borrower is responsible for the interest that accrues during a forbearance.

• Recommendation−Pay at least the interest as it accrues during

forbearance.−Capitalization of interest

• Interest is added to the principal balance of the loan…increases debt and has you paying interest on interest

Mandatory Forbearance

• Medical or dental internship or residency• Have student loan payments that are 20% or

more or your monthly income• Have payments being made for you by the

Department of Defense•

Loan Forgiveness

• Death• Total and permanent disability • Your school fails to pay a refund as required if you

withdraw• You are unable to complete your program of study due

to school closure• Your loan was falsely certified as a result of crime or

identity theft• Your school falsely certified or fraudulently completed a

loan application in your name without your approval

Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program

• Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program−All federal loans issued after October 1, 1998−You teach as a highly qualified teacher in a

qualifying low-income school for 5 consecutive, complete academic years

−The loan for which you are seeking forgiveness was made before the end of the 5th year of your qualifying teaching service

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• For FDLP borrowers ONLY−Have made 120 monthly payments on the

eligible loan on or after October 1, 2007, while servicing in a public service position, and

−Are employed in a public service position at the time forgiveness is requested

−Additional criteria available at www.studentaid.ed.gov

−1-800-848-0979

Debt Management Strategies

• Make a budget • Loan payments are a fixed cost like utilities and rent• Be realistic about expected earnings for

your major • Stick to one credit card. Keep in mind that credit cards

are loans! • Contact the holder of your loan if you have trouble

making payments −Change repayment plans if necessary

Debt Management Strategies

Needs

• Food• Housing• Utilities• Clothes• Transportation• Child care

Wants

• Eating out• Premium Cable TV

package• Vacation• Video games• New car vs. used car• New computer

Debt Management Strategies

• Define your goal −How long do you want to be in debt−How much do you want to save for retirement

• Distinguish wants from needs• Stick with your plan and resist temptation of

unnecessary spending• Sacrifice in the short-term for long-term

rewards

Accessing your loan information

• National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)−U.S. Department of Education's central

database for student aid −NSLDS receives data from schools, guaranty

agencies, the Direct Loan program, and other Department of Education programs

−www.nslds.ed.gov−Need a PIN for access

Reminders

• Keep copies of all correspondence• Keep the Direct Loan Servicing Center or

lender informed of status changes (e.g., address change or going to graduate school)

• Direct Loan borrowers −www.dl.ed.gov −1-800-848-0979 or (TTY) 1-800-848-0983.

• FFELP borrowers−Know your lender’s phone number

Problem resolution process

• Federal Student Aid Ombudsman of theDepartment of Education−Helps resolve disputes −When you have  done all you can do yourself

 and haven’t been able to reach a solution, the Ombudsman provides a process and resources to assist you, the student.

− www.ombudsman.ed.gov

Contact Information

• www.studentaid.ed.gov−Overview of loan repayment, deferment,

forbearance and forgiveness programs

• www.nslds.ed.gov−Overview of all of your federal loans, including

amounts, interest rates, lender, servicer, status