There are steps you can take to repay your federal student loan successfully and avoid going into default. 
Understanding your loan agreement , staying on top of your loan information , and making sure to contact your loan servicer if you are having trouble making payments can help you avoid default. If you don t make a payment on time or if you miss making a payment , your loan is delinquent and late fees may be assessed. Even if you are delinquent on your loan, you may still be able to avoid default , so it s important that you contact your loan servicer immediately. 

Take Steps to Avoid Default 
Avoid default. Take the time to fully understand your loan agreement and the types of loans you are receiving. It s also important that you not borrow more than you need or more than you expect to be able to repay. Develop a sound and realistic financial plan. If your federal student loan is delinquent , check out the Student Loan Debt Collection Assistant, which the U.S. Department of Education developed in partnership with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The tool provides information about how to access the full range of special repayment options available to you. 

Understand Your Loan and Loan Agreement 
Understand the type of aid you are receiving. Loans, unlike most grants, scholarships, or work - study funds, must be repaid. Know the type of loan you are receiving. Understand the costs of getting the loan, the interest rate, and the repayment terms for the loan. Read Know Before You Owe from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Read your promissory note. It is a legal document. Signing a promissory note means you agree to repay the loan according to the terms of the note. You must repay all the loans you receive, even if you don t complete your education. 

Manage Your Borrowing 
Borrow only what you need to pay for your college expenses. Create a budget to determine how much you really need to borrow. Contact your school s financial aid office to

user: Could you help me understand how to repay my federal student loan without going into default?

assistant: First you should understand your loan agreement, make sure you know all loan info, and make sure to get ahold of your loan servicer when you might have trouble making your payment.

assistant: Have you missed a payment or made a payment late?

user: Yes, I have missed a payment.

assistant: Then you would be considered delinquent and late fees probably will be added to what is due; but there is a chance that you could avoid default by contacting your loan servicer.

user: Is there an easy way to track my loans online?

assistant: Yes, you can find out about all your federal student loans from the US Department of Education by signing in to "My Federal Student Aid".

user: What are the most important steps to avoid default of student loans?

assistant: Always try to avoid default first of all and take the time to comprehend your loan agreements and what are the exact loan types you are getting; and never borrow more money than you need or more than you expect to pay back.

user: What should I do if my federal student loan is delinquent?

assistant: You should look into the Student Loan Debt Collection Assistant, which the US Department of Education developed along with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau because it has tools that will give you access to special repayment options.