Loan Repayment Strategies

Loan Repayment Strategies

Take the guesswork out of student loan repayment. One of the most respected student debt management experts in the medical and health professions, Paul Garrard, covers everything you need to know about repayment strategies in these practical video learning modules.

Introduction to repayment strategies and the modules

Watch this short video to learn the three steps for determining your repayment strategy.

3 questions every borrower must be able to answer

Learn the three questions that every borrower must be able to answer before you can develop your repayment strategy.

Your upcoming decisions

Check out this module for an overview of the major decisions involved in formulating your repayment strategy.

Your student loan portfolio

Do you know what types of loans are in your portfolio—and the differences between them? This video explains and compares federal direct, campus-based, and private loans.

Interest rates and important changes to capitalization

This quick video gives you what you need to know about your interest rates, plus a 2023 update to capitalization. The capitalization change is good news for borrowers entering repayment, switching income-driven plans, updating income on PAYE, or leaving forbearance.

Loan servicers and payment application

Your monthly interest is an important benchmark for your loan payments. Learn why and how to calculate it. (Note: While this module references a medical school interest calculator, the needed information is available to you in the monthly report section of the VIN Foundation’s student loan repayment simulator.)

Importance of knowing your monthly interest due

This excellent primer tells you what you need to know about time-driven vs. income-driven plans for repaying federal loans.

Repayment plans for federal student loans

Considering an income-driven repayment plan? Here are the key features to know about when deciding if they're right for you.

Income-driven repayment plans (IDRs)

Considering an income-driven repayment plan? Here are the key features to know about when deciding if they're right for you.

SAVE vs. PAYE

SAVE is the new income-driven repayment plan, released in 2023 to replace REPAYE. Check out the benefits of the SAVE plan and compare the details to PAYE.

Married borrowers and repayment

Tying the knot doesn’t have to mean putting your stomach in knots over loan repayment. This module makes it easy to understand how marriage might impact your repayment plan.

Repayment calculators

Repayment calculators are a great way to test your repayment strategy and explore other options. This module references veterinary, medical and dental resources. The same principles apply to any repayment calculator.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Are you considering or currently working for a government agency or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit? This module is a must-see for the when, where, and how of this highly beneficial loan repayment program designed just for you.

Closing tips and reminders

Discover five simple steps to craft your loan repayment strategy, plus a few important reminders that will help keep you on track.

Sample repayment

See what repayment looks like. This module compares repayment numbers and terms for a sample borrower using a standard 10-year repayment plan versus an extended 25-year plan and an income-driven plan.

Additional topics

These learning modules were selected based on their relevance for current veterinary students. Modules on additional repayment topics can be found on the New Veterinarian Loan Repayment Strategies page.