r/StudentLoans • u/I_am_baked • 2d ago

Avoid marriage?

Planning on proposing end of the year. Is marriage too risky in my situation? Or should I be able to be able to file as Married Filed Separately, or should I avoid legal marriage and stay as Single for loan purposes?

  • 2025 grad, planning on the IBR plan (not sure what IDR plans will be available ~9/2025)
  • My federal loans (only grad school, no undergrad) = ~$370k at 7%
  • Spouse loans = $0
  • I signed a job contract = $180k salary minimum, (AGI down to $141k)
  • Spouse income in 2 years (still in training): ~$300 to 400k

If we file jointly, my IBR plan is blown up and standard repayment will be required. I'm not sure if things will change within 20 years, but I'm worried there may be a chance we can only file as married filed jointly at some point.

3 Upvotes

64% Upvoted

50 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/buttons123456 1d ago

If I was the person you wanted to marry, I’d say have to hold off til the loan is repaid. People have no idea how such a big loan will affect relationships.