Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The new deadline to enroll for the temporary federal student loan autopay interest-rate reduction is December 31, 2026. Eligible borrowers who enroll by then—or are already enrolled—can receive a 1 percentage point rate reduction through June 30, 2028, as long as they stay enrolled in autopay and continue to qualify. The U.S. Department of Education announced the extension on September 29, 2026: Department of Education extension announcement.
What changed—and when does the reduction end?
The enrollment cutoff was extended from September 30 to December 31, 2026. The earlier date appeared in the Department’s June announcement; the September 29 extension release sets the later deadline. The temporary reduction is scheduled to end June 30, 2028, and is conditional on continued autopay enrollment and eligibility.
The Department reported that nearly 2 million borrowers had enrolled since the benefit was announced earlier in the summer. That is the agency’s enrollment count as of its September 29 release—not the number of eligible borrowers or an estimate of savings.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Which loans and borrowers may qualify?
The Department describes the reduction as applying to Federal Direct Loans originated after July 1, 2012, including loans for students and parents. That can include Parent PLUS loans if they meet the loan-type and date requirements. Federal Student Aid says FFEL, HEAL, and Perkins loans do not qualify for this additional reduction. Review the Federal Student Aid auto-debit guidance and ask your servicer to confirm the specific loans on your account.
#1 Best Overall
- Profitability calculations; cash flow function Calculates NPV and IRR for uneven cash flows
- Time-value-of-money and Amortization keys solve problems including: pension calculations, loans, mortgages, etc.
- Ideal calculator for students, managers and statisticians
- Built-in functionality : List-based one- and two-variable statistics with four regression options: linear, logarithmic, exponential and power
- The BA II Plus calculator is approved for use on the following professional exams: Chartered Financial Analyst exam. GARP Financial Risk Manager (FRM) exam. Certified Management Accountants exam
Qualification also depends on account status. Borrowers in default must first take the required steps to return to repayment before enrolling. Borrowers who were in the now-defunct SAVE plan are included only if they have enrolled in a different lawful repayment plan; autopay enrollment by itself does not meet that plan requirement.
How to get the 1 percentage point reduction
- Check your loans and repayment status. Sign in to your servicer account or contact the servicer to verify which loans are Direct Loans, when they were originated, and whether any default or repayment-plan issue must be resolved.
- Enroll through your servicer. Sign in to the servicer’s account, choose its autopay or automatic debit option, and provide the requested bank-account information.
- Review and confirm the payment instructions. Follow the servicer’s confirmation steps and check that the eligible loan payments are set up. If you are already enrolled, confirm with the servicer that your enrollment remains active and the reduction is being applied.
Complete enrollment by December 31, 2026. Because enrollment and loan records are account-specific, the servicer is the source to confirm whether your setup qualifies.
Rank #2
- HP 10BII+ FOR STUDENTS & PROFESSIONALS – This HP calculator is built for business, finance, accounting, and statistics courses. Perfect for learners and professionals who need to solve common financial problems quickly without memorizing formulas or relying on spreadsheets.
- 100+ FUNCTIONS FOR REAL WORLD MATH – Quickly solve time value of money, interest rates, loan payments, NPV, IRR, cash flows, and more. The 10bII+ also includes probability distributions for statistics courses—a feature not often found in financial calculators.
- ALGORITHMIC INPUT WITH DEDICATED KEYS – This high-school/college calculator uses algebraic and chain logic with minimal keystrokes. Layout appears the same as standard calculators for easy learning. Dedicated keys give quick access to commonly used financial and statistical functions
- APPROVED FOR MAJOR EXAMS – The HP 10bII+ algebra calculator is permitted for use on SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and AP tests. An ideal statistics calculator and business calculator for school finance and accounting students preparing for class, coursework, or standardized exams.
- INCLUDES TRAVEL CASE, CLEANING CLOTH & BATTERIES– Slim, durable, and easy to keep on hand or store in a backpack or locker. Includes a protective case, cleaning cloth, and batteries so it’s ready out of the box. Large screen with clear contrast (non-backlit) is easy to read during exams or lectures.
Does the reduction lower your monthly payment?
The announced benefit is a temporary 1 percentage point reduction to the interest rate on eligible loans. The Department’s materials do not promise a specific reduction in the required monthly installment or provide a universal dollar-savings figure. Do not assume your bill will fall by a set amount; check your account statement and servicer’s payment information for the effect on your loan.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →What if an official page still shows September 30?
The Department’s June announcement stated the original September 30, 2026 cutoff. Its September 29 release extended that cutoff to December 31, 2026. Federal Student Aid’s repayment page may still show the earlier date, so use the later Department announcement for the current deadline and contact your servicer if its information conflicts.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Large Display: Our calculator scientific has 2-line display shows entry and calculated result at same time, 10+2-digit widescreen HD display and large numbers makes it easy to read from afar. The clear screen ensures excellent visibility, reducing errors and improving efficiency
- Advanced Scientific Functions: This scientific calculator offers 240 functions, which can easily handle 1 and 2 variable statistical calculations, including percentages, trigonometry, 24 parentheses levels, summation, regressions, fractions, regressions, permutations and combinatorics, etc, to provide you with comprehensive and diverse calculation functions scientific
- Sliding Cover Designed: The high school calculator features an ergonomically designed sliding cover, which can protect the keys and display from damage and dust, the sliding cover provides a comfortable grip. Our scientific calculator uses lightweight materials and is designed for easy carrying
- Power-Saving Design: The algebra calculator is powered by two AAA batteries (Not Included) and features advanced energy saving technology that automatically shuts off after 8 minutes of inactivity. You can also manually turn off the calculator by pressing [SHIFT] and then [AC] button
- Mathematics Helper: In addition to basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, our scientific calculator also has various functions such as algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. Suitable for both basic arithmetic and complex mathematical tasks. It is widely used in middle and high school,college math, science classes, as well as exams, engineering projects, and financial calculations
Rank #4
- Natural Textbook Display presents formulas and results exactly as written in textbooks for intuitive learning.
Rank #3
- PROFESSIONAL FINANCIAL CALCULATOR : Built-in TVM, IRR, NPV. Engineered for business analysts, real estate investors, accountants, and finance students.
- ADVANCED CASH FLOW & AMORTIZATION : Execute time value of money, break-even analysis, depreciation schedules, and bond pricing. Trusted for professional exam prep", MBA coursework, and banking certifications.
- CATIGA CF-300 : Flip-open hard case with a snap-close design for a secure fit. Compact and portable: designed for daily professional use in office, classroom, or on-site.
- ALL-IN-ONE FOR PROFESSIONALS : From NPV/IRR for real estate analysis to statistical calculations for business analysts. Handles probability, linear regression, and complex financial formulas.
- MORTGAGE, LOAN & INVESTMENT CALCULATOR : Covers bond pricing, loan amortization, investment analysis, and exam-level computations. Your go-to accounting calculator, business calculator, and real estate calculator in one device.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
