2026 Federal Student Loan Changes
On July 1, 2026, the Department of Education enacted significant changes to the federal student loan system. Several popular repayment plans were phased out, income-driven formulas were rewritten, and long-term forgiveness timelines shifted. Use this hub to understand how these updates impact your debt.
Start Here: The Big Picture
A summary of everything that changed on July 1, 2026, and who is affected.
Read GuideSee which legacy plans were eliminated and what replaced them.
Read GuideLearn how your discretionary income and monthly payment are now calculated.
Read GuideRepayment Plan Changes
The menu of repayment options is smaller but more targeted. Learn what replaced older plans and how to navigate the current offerings.
Forgiveness Updates
The timeline to reach forgiveness under IDR and PSLF has new milestones and payment counting rules.
IDR Forgiveness Updates
How the 2026 rules changed the 20- and 25-year forgiveness tracks.
Learn MorePSLF in 2026
Updates to qualifying employment and payment definitions for public servants.
Learn MoreForgiveness Checker
Use our updated tool to see which new rules apply to your exact situation.
Learn MoreInterest & Payment Calculation
Behind the scenes, the math governing how your balance grows and how servicers bill you has been updated.
Transitioning to the New System
Practical guides for borrowers caught in the middle of the transition.
Step-by-step instructions for moving from old income-driven plans to the new framework.
Read GuideTroubleshooting unexpected increases or decreases in your monthly bill after July 1.
Read GuideThe rules, deadlines, and potential consequences of changing repayment plans mid-year.
Read GuideWhy Trust This 2026 Hub?
Our analysis of the July 1, 2026 overhaul is based directly on primary source documents from: