Progress to 120 qualifying payments
The pointer shows how far along you are toward forgiveness.
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PSLF Calculator
Track your progress toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness, 120 qualifying payments, and see how many are left, what you'll pay before forgiveness, and the estimated amount forgiven.
Payments remaining
72 of 120
Time to forgiveness—
You'll pay before forgiveness—
Already paid—
Estimated amount forgiven—
What is PSLF?
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is a federal program that forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you make 120 qualifying monthly payments, roughly ten years, while working full-time for a government or eligible non-profit employer. The forgiven amount is not taxed, which makes PSLF one of the most valuable forgiveness options.
The formula
payments remaining = 120 − qualifying payments made
time to forgiveness = payments remaining ÷ 12 (years)
you'll still pay = payments remaining × monthly payment
estimated forgiven ≈ current balance − remaining principal paid
time to forgiveness = payments remaining ÷ 12 (years)
you'll still pay = payments remaining × monthly payment
estimated forgiven ≈ current balance − remaining principal paid
Worked example
With 48 qualifying payments logged, you have 72 to go, about 6 years. At $350/month you'll pay roughly $25,200 more before the remaining balance (often tens of thousands of dollars under an income-driven plan) is forgiven tax-free.
Frequently asked questions
How many payments does PSLF require?
120 qualifying monthly payments (about 10 years) while working full-time for a qualifying employer.
What counts as a qualifying payment?
An on-time, full payment on a Direct Loan under a qualifying (usually income-driven) plan while employed by an eligible employer.
Is the forgiven amount taxed?
No, PSLF forgiveness is not federally taxable.
Do the 120 payments have to be consecutive?
No. Your count is preserved; only non-qualifying periods don't add to it.
How is the forgiven amount estimated?
As your current balance minus the principal you'd still pay, often large under income-driven repayment.