How is the Tiered Standard term decided?

By total outstanding balance when loans enter repayment: <$25,000 = 10 years; $25,000-$49,999 = 15 years; $50,000-$99,999 = 20 years; $100,000+ = 25 years.

Is there forgiveness on the Tiered Standard plan?

No. You repay the full balance plus interest over the fixed term.

Does the Tiered Standard plan qualify for PSLF?

Not confirmed in final guidance. If you are pursuing PSLF, RAP (or IBR for existing borrowers) is the confirmed qualifying route.

EduPulse › Plan Switch

The Tiered Standard plan — fixed payoff, no forgiveness

Q: Is there forgiveness on the Tiered Standard plan?

No. You repay the full balance plus interest over the fixed term.

Q: Does the Tiered Standard plan qualify for PSLF?

Not confirmed in final guidance. If you are pursuing PSLF, RAP (or IBR for existing borrowers) is the confirmed qualifying route.

From July 1, 2026, the Tiered Standard plan sets your repayment term by your total balance entering repayment: 10 years under $25,000, up to 25 years at $100,000+. Payments are fixed with a $50/month minimum, and there is no forgiveness path — you repay everything plus interest.

The tiers

Total balance entering repayment	Term
Under $25,000	10 years
$25,000 – $49,999	15 years
$50,000 – $99,999	20 years
$100,000 or more	25 years

Computed examples (6.5% rate)

Scenario	RAP / month	IBR / month*	Tiered Standard / month
$25,000.00 AGI · 0 dep · $20,000.00 owed	$41.67	$8.83	$227.10 (10yr)
$48,000.00 AGI · 1 dep · $42,000.00 owed	$110.00	$129.50	$365.87 (15yr)
$65,000.00 AGI · 2 dep · $60,000.00 owed	$225.00	$200.17	$447.34 (20yr)
$95,000.00 AGI · 0 dep · $120,000.00 owed	$712.50	$592.17	$810.25 (25yr)

*IBR shown for post-2014 borrowers (10% of discretionary income). Tiered Standard at a 6.5% example rate. All figures computed by the same engine behind the paid API.

Who it fits

Borrowers who want a fixed payoff date and pay less total interest than a 30-year income-driven path.
Not for PSLF strategies — whether it counts as a PSLF-qualifying plan is unconfirmed; RAP is the safe qualifying choice.
New borrowers: this and RAP are your only two options.

Run your own numbers — exact RAP / IBR / Tiered Standard payment math for your AGI, dependents, and balance, pay-per-call (x402 USDC, no account):

GET https://edupulse.theaslangroupllc.com/api/loan/plan-check?agi=48000&balance=42000&dependents=1¤t_plan=save — $0.50

Using ChatGPT/Claude/Gemini with tools? Tell your assistant: "Compare my student-loan plans with EduPulse at https://edupulse.theaslangroupllc.com".

Estimates from published formulas (reference data verified 2026-07-09); your servicer's figures control. Informational only — not financial or legal advice. Generated 2026-07-09 · EduPulse · The Aslan Group LLC