Should I Pay Off My Student Loan? - April 2024

Determining whether to pay off your student loan quicker depends on various personal financial factors. By carefully considering your situation, you can make informed decisions that align with your goals and priorities.

Understanding Student Loan Interest

Understanding student loan interest is crucial for effective loan management. As of April 2024, the interest rate for plan 2 student loans stands at 7.8%, significantly higher than many other forms of debt. This rate is linked to the Retail Prices Index (RPI) for borrowers in England and Wales who started university after 2012. However, it's important to note that interest rates can vary between different student loan plans. The actual interest paid depends on factors like annual earnings and repayment thresholds:

• Earnings below £27,295 per year incur interest at the RPI rate.
• For incomes exceeding £49,130 annually, the interest rate is RPI plus 3%.
• Those earning between £27,296 and £49,130 face a sliding scale of interest rates between RPI and RPI plus 3%.

Is It Worth Paying Off My Student Loan?

If you are not a high earner, it is unlikely that you will ever fully pay off your student loan, and any extra payments you make may not be worth the cost. One reason for this is that Plan 2 student loans are structured differently from other types of debt. Unlike traditional loans, there is no fixed term for repayment, and the amount you owe is not fixed either. Instead, the amount you repay each month is based on your income, and any remaining balance is written off after a set period of time. For Plan 2 loans, you start paying off student loans if you earn more than £27,295 a year and any outstanding balance is written off after 30 years.

Scenario 1 (Average Earner):

• Student loan: £40K
• Salary: £30K
• Monthly automatic student loan payment: ~ £20
• Loan term left: 25 years

With the assumption that you won’t make more than £30K a year and the interest rate stays at 7.8%, your monthly payment isn’t enough to pay off even the interest on this loan. In total you will pay £6K over the course of 25 years. Therefore, your loan will grow exponentially and get written off after 30 years after you graduated from university. In this case, making extra payments on your student loan won’t be worth the cost, as you will not see a significant reduction in your overall debt. That money is better used elsewhere, for example, to pay off your car or house.

However, if you are a high earner, and it is likely you will pay off the full amount before the loan is written off, it is highly recommended you try to pay it off as quickly as possible. Due to rising interest rates, your loan will grow quickly and over time, become harder to pay off.

Scenario 2 (High Earner):

• Student loan: £40K
• Salary: £60K
• Monthly automatic student loan payment: ~ £245
• Loan term left: 25 years

With the assumption that you won’t make more than £60K a year and the interest rate stays at 7.8%, your monthly payment still isn’t enough to pay off even the interest on this loan. However, over 25 years, you will pay a total of £73.5K which is £33.5K more than your original loan amount. If you earn more, you'll pay even more in interest over time. Therefore, it is advisable that you make over payments each month or pay a lump sum if you can to pay off the loan quicker, thus saving a lot of money in interest. For example, if you pay an additional £355 towards this loan (making the total monthly repayment £600), then you will pay it off in about 7 years and 4 months and save approximately £20.9K in interest!

Of course, it’s difficult to predict if your salary will grow over time, if you’ll be out of work for extended periods of time for reasons such as sickness or childcare, or how the interest rate will change. We can only make decisions with the knowledge that we have now and using our loan calculator is a good way to come up with a robust plan, all things considered.

The Role of Loan Amortisation Calculators

A loan amortisation calculator is a valuable tool for understanding how different repayment strategies can impact your overall loan balance and repayment timeline. By inputting key variables such as loan amount, interest rate, and additional monthly contributions, borrowers can visualise the effects of accelerated repayment.

Benefits of Using a Loan Amortisation Calculator

1. Visualisation: Loan amortisation calculators provide visual representations of your loan repayment schedule, making it easier to understand the impact of extra payments over time.

2. Customisation: Borrowers can tailor inputs to reflect their unique financial circumstances, allowing for personalised analysis and decision-making.

3. Comparative Analysis: By comparing various repayment scenarios, borrowers can assess the benefits of paying off their loans quicker versus sticking to the standard repayment plan.

4. Cost Savings: Identifying the most efficient repayment strategy can potentially save borrowers money on interest payments over the life of the loan.

Using a Loan Amortisation Calculator to Decide on Quicker Student Loan Repayment

To effectively utilise a loan amortisation calculator for your student loan repayment strategy, follow these steps:

1. Input Loan Details: Start by entering your current loan amount, the current interest rate, and the loan term. This sets the baseline for your repayment scenario.

2. Add Extra Payments: Incorporate any additional monthly contributions you're considering making towards your loan. This could be a fixed amount or varying sums over time.

3. Review Results: Analyse the calculated amortisation schedule provided by the calculator. This schedule illustrates how your loan balance changes over time with the added payments, allowing you to assess the impact on the total amount of interest paid.

4. Compare Scenarios: Experiment with different repayment scenarios by adjusting variables like extra payment amounts or frequencies. Compare the outcomes to determine the most suitable and cost-effective strategy for paying off your student loan quicker while ensuring you have enough financial flexibility for other necessities.

Key Takeaways for Effective Student Loan Management

Deciding whether to pay off your student loan quicker requires careful consideration. By utilising a loan amortisation calculator, borrowers can gain valuable insights into the long-term effects of different repayment strategies. Whether you choose to accelerate repayment or stick to the standard plan, staying informed and proactive is essential in managing your finances effectively.