<prompt> Human: I have about 30,000 in student loans - all federal unsubsidized. I wont actually begin repayment until the end of November, but during my 6-month grace period, I plan on paying off about 6-7k in one large chunk. When I did my exit counseling, my estimated monthly payment was around 350, but what Im wondering is whether or not prepayment during the grace period would alter the monthly payment amount, or whether that amount is set in stone already?  <response>: Nothing is really set in stone. For example, if you choose an income-based payment plan the payment will reflect your income, meaning you pay more when you make more. A graduated plan starts out with low payments and gets higher with time regardless of income. Standard plans work more like car payments, meaning its calculated based on principal, and thats your payment until its done. Depends on what you chose, and some payment options you have to apply for. The best way to find out is whether paying early affects your principal, because that will affect your payments. 