Missing a student loan payment is stressful, but the fallout usually happens in stages, not all at once. What matters most is how long you go without paying and whether your loan is federal or private.
Here’s what typically happens, plus the fastest ways to limit damage and get back on track.
Miss a Student Loan Payment: The Timeline (Federal vs. Private)
When you miss a student loan payment, your account usually becomes delinquent the next day (meaning past due). From there, consequences ramp up over time.
Federal student loans (Direct, FFEL, Perkins)
Day after missed due date: You are delinquent. Interest generally continues to accrue (depending on your loan and plan).
- Often after a short grace window: You may face late fees depending on your loan terms and servicer policies.
- Around 90 days past due: Your servicer can report delinquency to the major credit bureaus, which can hurt your credit score.
- 270+ days past due: Your federal loan typically enters default.
- After default: Your loan can move into collections, and the government can use powerful collection tools (like wage garnishment or tax refund offset). Collections on defaulted federal loans resumed in 2025.
Private student loans
Private lenders set their own rules, but common patterns include:
- Short grace period before late fee: Often about 10 to 15 days (varies by lender).
- Credit reporting can happen earlier: Some private lenders report late payments as early as 30 days past due (varies by lender and contract).
- Default happens on the lender’s schedule: It can be much sooner than federal loans, depending on your promissory note.
What “Delinquent” vs. “Default” Actually Means
These two words get mixed up a lot.
- Delinquent: You missed a payment, and it is past due. (You can still fix it by paying what’s owed or getting current through your servicer.)
- Default: You missed payments for long enough that the loan is officially considered in default. For federal loans, that’s typically 270 days of nonpayment.
The Real-World Consequences of Missing a Payment
Credit score damage (often starts at 90 days for federal loans)
Federal servicers generally begin credit reporting once a loan is 90+ days delinquent, and they may continue reporting monthly until you catch up or default.
Private loans can show up earlier, sometimes at 30 days.
Late fees and extra interest
Depending on your loan terms, late fees may apply, and interest usually keeps adding up while you are past due.
Loss of protections and benefits (especially after default)
Default can trigger major consequences such as collections actions and loss of eligibility for certain repayment relief options until you take steps to get out of default.
If You Just Missed a Payment: What to Do Today
If you missed a student loan payment and it is still early, you often have more options and fewer long-term consequences.
Do this:
- Log in to your servicer account and confirm the payment status (processing delays happen).
- Pay the past-due amount ASAP if you can. Getting current quickly can prevent credit reporting.
Call your servicer and ask about:
- Any grace period before late fees
- Whether they can waive a first-time late fee (sometimes possible)
- Moving your due date to match payday
If payments are not affordable, ask about:
- Income-driven repayment (IDR) for federal loans
- Deferment or forbearance (temporary relief)
- A payment plan or hardship option (private loans vary)
Quick Checklist to Avoid Bigger Problems
- Do not ignore notices from your servicer or lender.
- Act before 90 days past due to reduce the chance of credit reporting on federal loans.
- Document everything: dates, confirmation numbers, and who you spoke with.
- Update your contact info on your loan accounts so you do not miss deadlines.
- If you are overwhelmed, ask about default prevention options before it gets that far.
Already Deep Behind or in Default? Your Next Best Moves
If you are close to default (or already there), prioritize getting connected to a workable repayment path.
For federal loans, common ways to get out of default can include:
- Loan rehabilitation (typically requires a set number of on-time payments)
- Loan consolidation (may be an option depending on your situation)
- Entering an eligible repayment plan after taking the required steps
Collections on defaulted federal loans resumed in 2025, so it is worth addressing default sooner rather than later.
FAQ: Missing Student Loan Payments
Will one missed student loan payment ruin my credit?
Usually, not immediately. For federal loans, negative credit reporting typically starts at 90 days past due.
When do federal student loans report late payments to credit bureaus?
Commonly, once the loan is 90+ days delinquent, it is reported to the nationwide credit bureaus.
When do private student loans report late payments?
It depends on the lender, but reporting can happen as early as 30 days past due in many cases.
When does a federal student loan go into default?
Typically after 270 days of missed scheduled payments.
Can my wages be garnished for student loans?
For defaulted federal student loans, wage garnishment and other collection tools are possible, and collections resumed in 2025.
What is the fastest way to fix a missed payment?
Pay the past-due amount and get current, then contact your servicer to confirm your account is back in good standing and ask about options to prevent future misses.
What if I cannot afford my payment anymore?
For federal loans, ask about income-driven repayment and temporary relief options like deferment or forbearance. For private loans, ask your lender about hardship programs or modified payment options.
Missing a Student Loan Payment Isn’t the End of the World!
If you miss a student loan payment, the biggest factor is time: the sooner you act, the more you can limit fees, credit damage, and default risk. Use the timeline above, contact your servicer early, and get onto a payment plan you can actually maintain.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only, not legal or financial advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consider contacting your loan servicer or a qualified financial professional.
