Upon graduation from college, Warren Roberge was able to defer payment on his $31,000 student loan for 9 months. Since the interest will no longer be paid on his behalf, it will be added to the principal until payments begin. If the interest is 2.89% compounded monthly, what will the principal amount be when he must begin repaying his loan? The principal amount will be $ (Do not round until the final answer. Then round to the nearest cent as needed.)