Private vs Federal PLUS Loan Comparison Tool
Input your specific assumptions/quotes
Federal PLUS Loans (Grad and Parent PLUS) are typically paid back in 10 years. For the purpose of this tool, compare the cost of private loans up to a term of 10 years.
Assumptions | Private Loan | Federal |
---|---|---|
Loan Amount |
$
|
$140,000 |
Interest Rate |
%
|
8.94% |
Year of School Left |
|
1 |
Origination Fee | 0% | 4.23% |
Term (in years) |
|
10 |
Repayment Type |
|
Deferred |
Months of Grace |
|
6 |
ACH Discount | 0.25% | 0.00% |
Loan disbursment date | 09-01-2025 |
Private
Holding period | Total $ Cost | APR |
---|---|---|
All 10 years | $79,043 | 7.43% |
Refinance after 18 months | $15,687 | 7.36% |
Federal
Holding period | Total $ Cost | APR |
---|---|---|
All 10 years | $110,914 | 9.95% |
Refinance after 18 months | $25,487 | 11.83% |

Insights
The maximum term for a federal loan is 10 years
Over the full life of the loan Federal is $31,871 more expensive than private
If you refinance at graduation Federal is $9,800 more expensive than private