How long is the grace period before I have to start repaying student loans after graduation?

Most federal Direct Loans give you a six-month grace period after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment before payments are due. Federal PLUS loans generally don't have a grace period, though graduate PLUS borrowers can request a deferment. Be aware that on unsubsidized and PLUS loans, interest still accrues during the grace period and may capitalize when repayment starts, so the grace period is a break from payments, not from interest. Use the time to pick a repayment plan, set up autopay (which usually earns a small interest-rate discount), and budget for the payment. Private loans set their own terms, which vary by lender. Confirm your specific dates and servicer at studentaid.gov so you never miss the first payment and risk delinquency.