Student Life & Campus — 2026-05-31
Starting July 1, millions of student loan borrowers face major repayment changes as the Trump administration implements a new system with only two options: RAP (Revised Pay As You Earn) and a Standard Repayment Plan without debt forgiveness. Meanwhile, admissions timelines have shifted earlier across US universities, and one college leader's commencement gesture captured national attention.
Student Life & Campus — 2026-05-31
Money & Debt
The student loan landscape is shifting dramatically. Starting July 1, 2026, borrowers will transition to a streamlined repayment system with significantly fewer options. The two available plans are RAP (Revised Pay As You Earn) and a modified Standard Repayment Plan that notably excludes any debt-forgiveness component—a major change from previous income-driven plans that offered forgiveness after 20-25 years of payments.
For existing borrowers, the transition rules are complex. Those currently enrolled in income-driven repayment plans like ICR or PAYE can remain until July 1, 2028, when those plans expire. If borrowers subsequently switch to IBR (Income-Based Repayment) or RAP, they will retain credit toward forgiveness for all previous payments made under the older plans.
The Education Department's finalized rule also specifies additional timelines: provisions related to rehabilitation, deferment, and forbearances take effect July 1, 2027, with certain repayment plans sunsetting on July 1, 2028.
Campus News
University admissions timelines are shifting earlier than in past years. For the 2026-27 cycle, prospective students should note that key deadlines in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia fall sooner than previously—making advance planning more critical to avoid missing deadlines that could set applicants back by a full year.
Student Life
A notable moment swept through higher education this spring: Anil Kochhar, commencement speaker at North Carolina State University, announced he would personally pay off the final-year student loans of the graduating textile class, offering graduates "greater freedom to pursue goals" beyond financial constraints. The gesture highlighted ongoing concerns about student debt burden at graduation.
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