most recent and impactful updates on student loan forgiveness and repayment for 2025:
🔹 1. 🚨 Interest Resumes on SAVE Plan Loans (Aug 1, 2025)
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The SAVE (Saving on a Valuable Education) zero-interest policy will end August 1, 2025, affecting approximately 7.7–8 million borrowers. Interest will begin accruing again after nearly a year of pause (Investopedia).
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On average, borrowers could accrue $3,500 in interest per year, adding a significant financial burden (The Washington Post).
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The Education Department advises transitioning to the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) or the upcoming Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) before SAVE winds down (Investopedia).
🔹 2. New “One Big, Beautiful Bill” Overhaul
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Signed July 4, 2025, the bill eliminates existing IDR plans (SAVE, PAYE, ICR) by July 1, 2028, leaving only:
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Standard repayment plan, and
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New Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) scheduled for July 2026 rollout (Investopedia, Vox).
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The bill also caps borrowing limits:
🔹 3. Changes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
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The Trump administration has proposed to restrict PSLF eligibility, allowing the Education Secretary to exclude nonprofits engaged in activities deemed “illegal,” like supporting undocumented immigrants or gender-affirming care (TIME).
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A negotiated rulemaking session on PSLF took place in July 2025 to refine the definition of qualifying employers; a formal rule is expected after public comments (U.S. Department of Education).
🔹 4. Tracking Progress Toward Forgiveness Halted
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The Department of Education has temporarily stopped updating borrowers’ payment counts toward forgiveness programs like PSLF and IDR, confusing many applicants (Forbes).
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This stems from legal challenges and backlog issues in loan servicing.
✅ What Borrowers Should Do Now
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Check your SAVE plan: You have until August 1 to switch to IBR or another compliant plan (Investopedia, Investopedia).
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Monitor PSLF changes: If you or your employer could lose eligibility, stay updated and consider alternatives .
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Track your payments manually: Because automatic updates are paused, keep records of all qualifying payments.
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Estimate your repayments: Use the Department’s Loan Simulator to see how IBR or RAP would affect your monthly payment (U.S. Department of Education).
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Stay alert for new rules: Public commentary on PSLF changes is open now; gather accurate info to plan ahead.
🧭 TL;DR
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Aug 1, 2025: SAVE plan interest resumes—grab alternative IDR options now.
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Major overhaul: IDR programs phased out by 2028, new RAP coming 2026.
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PSLF eligibility may shrink—watch for final rules.
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Tracking halted: Confirm your progress manually.
This is a turbulent time for student loans. Shifts in politics and court rulings mean staying informed is critical.
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