You’ve Graduated—Now What?

From job search and budgeting to student loan refinancing, we’re here to help you take the next step.

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Guidance and resources to help you thrive after graduation

Whether you're navigating student loans or building your financial foundation, we have expert tips, articles, and tools to help you plan your next move.

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Smart money moves for life beyond college

Build your financial foundation. From budgeting to making the most of your first job’s benefits, we’ve got tips to help you start your post-grad journey with confidence.

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Land That First Job with Confidence

Write a standout resume and cover letter, make the most of career fairs, and network at your best with these tips to help you navigate your job search.

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Student Loans? Here’s How to Stay on Top of Them

Managing student loan debt doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Get tips to help you organize your loan details, understand grace periods and payment strategies, and more.

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Thinking About Grad School? Ask Yourself These Questions First

Grad school can be a smart investment—or an expensive detour. Before you apply, explore whether it aligns with your career goals, budget, and timing.

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How Much Debt Is Too Much? Know Your Limits

Learn how to calculate DTI, what’s considered manageable, and how to make smart decisions about student loans, credit cards, and other debt.

Products and resources for life beyond college

Citizens and College Raptor®, Citizens’ college planning platform, have the tools and products you need to help you plan and prep for what’s next.

Graduate Student Loans^

Citizens graduate student loans are tailored to your advanced degree program. Get flexible terms, no repayment fees, and additional benefits for existing customers.

Student Loan Refinance^

Simplify your payments or lower your rate with student loan refinancing—so you can focus on your next chapter with more financial freedom.

Build Credit Smarts from Day One

Whether building credit history or managing everyday expenses, we have a credit card tailored to where you are and where you’re going.

Checking That Keeps It Simple

With just one deposit a month, you can keep your account active and we'll waive the monthly maintenance fee.

Citizens Insights

Manage your money from wherever you are with our mobile app. Know where your money is going and practice smarter spending and saving.

Citizens Savings Tracker®

Whether you’re saving for a new phone, back-to-school essentials, or your first car, the Citizens Savings Tracker helps you stay on track to meet your savings goals.

Budget Planning Calculator

We make managing your budget so much easier. In a few easy entries, see where your money is going and how much you have left to save and spend.

Credit Card Payoff Calculator

See different repayment scenarios based on when you want your debt paid off, the amount you owe, and interest and additional fees.

See our other helpful products and tools

Beyond graduation, your “what's next” questions answered

Graduating from college opens a world of possibilities—and it’s okay if you’re not sure what will come next. Whether you're considering grad school, jumping into the job market, or taking time to explore your options, the key is to make a plan that aligns with your goals and finances.

  • Thinking about grad school? Make sure it supports your long-term career path and budget. Consider the return on investment and whether now is the right time to continue your education.
  • Ready to start working? Use tools like our career finder and job search tips to help you craft a standout resume, prepare for interviews, and find opportunities that match your skills and interests.
  • Considering a gap year? That could be a smart move. Be sure to budget wisely and use the time to build experience, whether through travel, volunteering, or internships.

No matter your path, we’re here to help with tools like our career finder, checking and savings accounts, and credit cards tailored to where you are and where you're going.

Starting to save after graduation might feel overwhelming—but it’s one of the smartest moves you can make. Here’s how to get started:

  • Create a budget you can stick to. Use the 50/30/20 rule to divide your income into needs, wants, and savings. This helps you stay on track while still enjoying your new independence.
  • Start small but start now. Even setting aside a little each month can grow over time. Consider setting up automatic transfers to a savings account so you don’t have to think about it.
  • Explore savings tools. A high-yield savings account, money market account, or CD (certificate of deposit) can help your money grow while keeping it safe. Consider using our Citizens Savings Tracker® to stay a step ahead on your goals.
  • Think long-term with investing. Once you’ve built an emergency fund, look into beginner-friendly investing options to start building wealth.
  • Balance saving with paying off debt. If you have student loans, make a plan to pay them down while still contributing to your savings. It’s all about finding the right balance for your goals.

Citizens offers products and tools like student checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and budgeting resources like Citizens Insights to help you build a strong financial foundation.

Starting repayment on your student loans can feel overwhelming—but with a clear plan, you can stay in control and make steady progress.

  • Know what you owe. Start by reviewing all your loans—federal and private—including balances, interest rates, and due dates. Use your loan servicer’s dashboard or the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) for federal loans.
  • Understand your grace period. Most federal loans offer a six-month grace period after graduation before payments begin. Private loans may vary, so check with your lender.
  • Explore repayment options. Federal loans offer flexible plans like Income-Driven Repayment (IDR), which adjusts your monthly payment based on your income. You may also qualify for deferment, forbearance, or forgiveness programs depending on your situation.
  • Make a plan for private loans. Private loans don’t offer the same flexibility, but you can often refinance to lower your interest rate or consolidate multiple loans into one payment. Just be sure to compare terms carefully.
  • Start early if you can. Making even small payments during your grace period can reduce interest and help you build momentum.
  • Automate and budget. Set up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates—and consider using a budgeting method to balance loan payments with savings and everyday expenses.

Citizens offers tools and resources to help you manage both federal and private loans, including refinancing options and budgeting tips to support your financial goals after college.

Refinancing your student loans can be a smart move—but timing is everything. You might consider refinancing when:

  • Your credit score has improved since you first took out your loans, which could help you qualify for a lower interest rate.
  • You have a stable income and feel confident in your ability to make consistent monthly payments.
  • You want to simplify repayment by combining multiple loans into one monthly bill.
  • You’re not relying on federal loan benefits like income-driven repayment plans, forgiveness programs, or deferment options—since refinancing federal loans with a private lender means giving up those protections.

Refinancing could help you save money over time or reduce your monthly payments, depending on your goals. Be sure to compare rates, terms, and lender benefits before deciding.

Find out if you should refinance.

If you’re heading to grad school, filing the FAFSA is still an important step—but there are a few key differences from undergrad:

  • You’re considered independent. That means you’ll only report your own income and assets—not your parents’.
  • Loan options are different. Grad students don’t qualify for subsidized loans or Pell Grants. Instead, you may be eligible for Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans, which begin accruing interest right away.
  • Some grants are still available. If you’re pursuing a teaching career, you may qualify for TEACH Grants or postbaccalaureate Pell Grants.
  • You must reapply each year. Just like undergrad, you’ll need to submit the FAFSA annually while enrolled.

Filing early can help you access the most aid possible. Learn more about the process and what to expect.

We’re here to help, no matter where you are in your journey

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High School

High school is full of milestones—first jobs, prom, college exams, and more. Having the right tools in your kit is key, and we’ve got them right here.

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Nearing College

If getting into your dream school is on your daily planner, we’ve got all the tips and tools you need to find, get into, and pay for college.

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In College

Discover tips for managing money, finding careers, and preparing for life post-graduation. Your success starts here.

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Beyond College

Take your next step with tips on pursuing your dream career, saving for your next big goal, or paying off those student loans.

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Contact us

Connect with a Student Loan and Checking Advisor by clicking the chat icon at the bottom of the page, calling 866-999-0077, or visiting a local branch.

Contact Center Hours: 8:00AM-9:00PM ET Monday-Friday

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