Decoding Student Loans

A New Era for Student Loans: Collections Restart and Big Policy Shifts

EDCAP's student loan experts discuss important developments affecting borrowers in the federal system—including new proposed regulations initiated by the Department of Education, a sweeping 103-page bill in Congress (The Student Success and Taxpayer Savings Plan), and the return of credit damage for delinquencies and aggressive involuntary collections for borrowers in default.

A New Presidential Administration & Tax Season

Join the student loan experts at EDCAP as they break down the latest news, analyze what a new Trump administration could mean for borrowers, and explore tax strategies that could help student loan borrowers save money—just in time for the April 15 filing deadline.   Chapter markers: * 00:44 - News, Policy Updates, and New Presidential Administration * 09:50 - General Tax Guidance for Student Loan Borrowers * 15:13 - Tax Guidance for Married Borrowers * 22:42 - Parent Plus Loan Guidance * 24:11 - Tax Benefits for Higher-Ed Financing (Pre-College Financial Planning)

IDR Plan Lawsuits & the End of Two Student Debt Relief Programs

We guide student loan borrowers through the legal challenges facing the SAVE plan, its impact on other IDR plans, and key considerations for those pursuing PSLF. We also cover two programs ending on Sept. 30, 2024: Fresh Start for defaulted loans and the repayment grace period (on-ramp), along with important insights for first-time borrowers entering repayment.

Questioning Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

The student loan experts at EDCAP answer the internet's biggest questions about PSLF. They provide critical guidance to improve your chances of getting loan forgiveness, while dispelling some common misconceptions about the program. We also sat down with a borrower who recently received PSLF to understand her journey and to put it all in real terms for our listeners.

What is Happening with the Student Loan System?

Resident experts Carolina Rodriguez and Nancy Nierman, the Director and Assistant Director of EDCAP, break down the latest developments affecting borrowers. From updates on FAFSA and student debt forgiveness "plan B" to forecasting potential changes to the student loan system, we cover a lot of ground in our first episode.    Topics Discussed: * 00:55 – Latest on FAFSA * 06:44 – Student Loan Forgiveness Plan B * 11:32 – IDR Account Adjustment (One-Time Payment Count Adjustment) * 23:03 – Political & Legal Challenges * 37:27 – Loan Servicers Update * 51:48 – Tax Filing