"Some borrowers told me that they achieved student-loan forgiveness or repaid their loans in full. However, the majority of respondents reported a range of concerns about the future of their balances, including worries about losing a key affordable repayment plan, struggling to get help from their servicers, being in default on their loans, and more. Trump's "big beautiful" spending legislation includes the elimination of existing income-driven repayment plans and replacing them with two less generous options."
"In one month, over 400 student-loan borrowers shared their experiences of repayment and relief with me in a brief survey. Each story was unique and touched on a range of themes, which will feed more in-depth stories on respondents' experiences throughout the year. As 2026 shapes up to be a year of turmoil for student-loan borrowers due to President Donald Trump's repayment overhaul, I wanted to start by looking broadly at the main concerns on the minds of those who reached out."
Over 400 student-loan borrowers answered a brief survey about repayment and relief experiences. Responses ranged from full repayment and loan forgiveness to struggles affording payments and fears of default. Nearly half of respondents reported enrollment in the SAVE income-driven repayment plan. Many expressed concern that proposed legislation would eliminate current income-driven plans and replace them with two less generous options, removing SAVE's more affordable payments and shorter timeline to debt relief. Borrowers reported difficulty getting help from loan servicers and fear of losing access to affordable repayment options. Respondents' accounts reflect widespread anxiety about upcoming policy changes and repayment prospects in 2026.
Read at Business Insider
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