Student Life & Campus — 2026-09-30
Student loan policy changes are forcing borrowers to make urgent decisions as key deadlines arrive, with new repayment rules taking effect and interest rate reductions now available. Federal changes are also reshaping how Parent PLUS loans qualify for forgiveness programs, while questions about college's long-term value grow amid economic pressures on students nationwide. <!-- /headline --> Urgent Student Loan Deadlines Hit as New Rules Reshape Borrowing and Repayment <!-- /headline -->
Student Life & Campus — 2026-09-30
Student loan policy changes are forcing borrowers to make urgent decisions as key deadlines arrive, with new repayment rules taking effect and interest rate reductions now available. Federal changes are also reshaping how Parent PLUS loans qualify for forgiveness programs, while questions about college's long-term value grow amid economic pressures on students nationwide.
<!-- /headline -->Urgent Student Loan Deadlines Hit as New Rules Reshape Borrowing and Repayment
<!-- /headline -->Money & Debt
Interest Rate Deadline Approaches for Borrowers
Student loan borrowers have just days left to lock in a 1 percentage point interest rate reduction before the deadline hits. According to recent reporting, a borrower carrying $50,000 in student debt at a 7.94% interest rate could save nearly $23,000 by enrolling in autopay before the September 30, 2026 deadline.
New Loan Rules Transform College Financing
Starting July 1, 2026, major changes to federal student loans fundamentally altered how students borrow for college. These new policies include caps on Parent PLUS lending and restructured income-driven repayment options, affecting both current borrowers and future students planning their education costs.
Parent PLUS Loans Lose Forgiveness Eligibility
As of July 1, 2026, Parent PLUS loans are no longer eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program under new legislation. Meanwhile, a new Repayment Assistance Plan launches July 1, 2026, replacing older income-driven options that are being phased out by 2028.
Forgiveness Programs Remain Open Despite Policy Changes
Several federal loan forgiveness pathways continue to accept applications in 2026: PSLF, income-driven repayment forgiveness, borrower defense claims, disability discharge, teacher loan forgiveness, and closed school discharge are all still available. All applications remain free at StudentAid.gov.
Taxable Forgiveness: New Tax Burden on Debt Relief
Starting January 1, 2026, borrowers who have their remaining debt erased after years of payments through income-driven repayment plans now face federal income tax on the forgiven amount—a significant change that adds financial complexity to debt relief.
Campus News
College Value Under Scrutiny
Americans are increasingly questioning whether a college degree remains a sound financial investment as student loan pressures mount and education costs rise. Higher education institutions are facing pressure to respond with greater transparency about outcomes and costs.
Enrollment Gains at Some Campuses
Alfred State College, part of the State University of New York system, enrolled 3,800 students this fall—a slight increase from the prior year and the campus's highest enrollment total since 1985.
Last updated: September 30, 2026
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