Higher Education Reform: New Student Loans and Accreditation Rules
This act introduces significant changes to the student loan system, replacing current programs with new "simplification loans." It also limits student loan forgiveness and introduces new accreditation rules, giving states a greater role. Additionally, institutions will be required to publish detailed data on student success and loan repayment rates.
Key points
Starting July 1, 2025, most existing federal student loans will be replaced by new "Federal Direct simplification loans" with fixed interest rates and repayment periods.
Student loan forgiveness options will be significantly limited for new loans disbursed after July 1, 2025.
New accreditation rules will be introduced, allowing states to establish their own alternative accreditation systems for educational institutions, including vocational programs and courses.
Colleges and universities will be required to publish detailed information on students, such as completion rates, employment rates after graduation, median earnings of former students, and loan default rates.
Educational institutions with high student loan non-repayment rates will face financial penalties.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_801
Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Process start date: 2025-02-27