A federal judge declined to end the SAVE student loan plan, giving the program a brief reprieve. But with SAVE set to expire in 2028, borrowers face continued uncertainty and may need to consider other repayment options.

The Trump administration is pressing colleges to cut student loan default rates ahead of new federal rules this summer. Advocates warn the guidance could shift blame to schools and hurt borrowers.

olleges with high student loan default rates could lose eligibility for federal student aid programs, the administration said.

More students are choosing community college and short-term credentials over four-year degrees as costs rise and job prospects soften. New federal student loan caps and expanded Pell eligibility starting in mid-2026 could speed up the “un-college” shift.