Blog.
College Enrollment Demographic Cliff: Fewer High School Graduates
The higher education landscape is about to shift. A recent report paints a concerning picture: a college enrollment "demographic cliff" that begins this year, with a steady decline in 18-year-olds expected to start college. This trend will create lean years for...
Student Loan Default and Delinquency Consequences Return
Federal student loan payments officially resumed over a year ago, ending over three years of paused payments to provide borrowers relief during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning this month, the full consequences for late payments will take effect,...
College Closures: Why So Many Nonprofits Closed in 2024
Over 70 colleges closed in the U.S. since 2020. In 2024 alone, nearly 20 nonprofit colleges and universities closed -- a stark reminder of higher education's challenges. Was there any way these institutions could have overcome those challenges? Let's analyze the top...
Student Loan Repayment Updates for End of Year
Borrowers should expect updates to student loan repayment plans and forgiveness policies when the Trump administration takes over next year. This year has seen much back-and-forth regarding student loan relief efforts, leaving borrowers confused about their options....
College Enrollment Drops 5% Among 18-year-old Freshman
Higher education has taken another shift this year, with a significant 5% decrease in the enrollment of 18-year-old college freshmen. This downturn was a surprising contrast to last year's growth and has raised concerns among college leadership and policymakers....
Two Income-Driven Repayment Options are Returning
Income-driven repayment (IDR) plans provide federal student loan borrowers with a sustainable way to lower their monthly payments. Among IDR plans, Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) became popular options to help borrowers reach forgiveness....
What Happens if the Department of Education Closes?
Earlier this week, President-Elect Trump announced on social media that he intends to close the Department of Education (ED) early in his administration and transfer responsibilities of educating our children to the states. Closing ED would require Congressional...
Student Loan Policy Changes Expected Under the New Republican Administration
The 2024 election has handed control of the White House and Senate to the Republican Party, with a potential GOP majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. The incoming administration is expected to introduce federal student loan policy changes to undo forgiveness...
SAVE Plan’s Legal Jeopardy Continues and Joint Consolidation Loan Separation
Student Loan Forgiveness Court Challenges Continue Last week, the 8th Circuit panel of judges questioned the Biden administration's authority under the Higher Education Act to grant debt forgiveness in the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan. The SAVE plan has...
Student Debt Relief Based on Hardship: New Rules Proposed for 2025
The Biden Administration continues to push new student debt relief efforts. On October 25, the U.S. Department of Education released a press release announcing a set of proposed rules that, if finalized, would authorize student loan forgiveness for nearly eight...