Federal student loans come with several repayment paths. The standard plan pays the loan off fastest with the least interest. Income-driven plans tie payments to what you earn, lowering monthly costs but often stretching the term and adding interest.

Refinancing into a private loan can lower your rate if you have strong credit — but it typically gives up federal protections like income-driven repayment and forgiveness, which you can't get back.

Weigh the monthly payment you can sustain against the total cost and the protections you'd keep or lose. There's no universally right answer, only the one that fits your situation.