Student Loan Reform: No Interest, New Fees, and Income-Driven Repayment
This act significantly changes federal student loans by eliminating traditional interest and replacing it with one-time financing fees. It also introduces a new income-dependent repayment plan, aiming to make debt management easier for students after graduation.
Key points
No more interest: New federal student loans will not accrue interest; instead, a one-time financing fee of 20% or 35% of the loan amount will be charged at disbursement.
Fee refunds for early repayment: Borrowers may receive a partial refund of the financing fee for early loan repayment, depending on their income level.
Income-driven repayment: A new repayment plan is introduced where monthly payments are 10% of income exceeding 150% of the federal poverty line, adjusting payments to financial capacity.
Automatic tax data sharing: The Treasury Department will share income data with the Department of Education to automatically determine repayment obligations and fee adjustments.
Financial hardship provisions: The act allows for payment adjustments in cases of unforeseen, extreme financial hardship unrelated to changes in annual income.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_8472
Sponsor: Rep. Luria, Elaine G. [D-VA-2]
Process start date: 2022-07-21