Better to Pay Interest or Principle While Enrolled? Forum

[tmon]

I have some unexpected money available and want to put it toward my loans. I'm also pretty bad at math. I'm only taking out unsubsidized direct loans (no gradplus). Would a few thousand dollars be better put toward my loan principle or interest? I'm assuming principle, especially as a 1L, because less interest will accrue going forward, but, like I said, math is not my strong suit and I figured I'd check myself. I've heard that putting extra money toward loans sometimes results in the lender holding that for future payments unless you specifically say to put it toward the principle. Is that an issue with direct loans?

Thanks!

[usfvictor]

Principle

edit: also tell your loan provider to put the amount toward principle, alot of them will just count it as future general payments and split between P&I.