The Treasury Department has a key power to collect the debt as its agency includes the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS wields the power to garnish up to 15% of a delinquent borrower's paycheck.

The U.S. Department of Education is considering a new definition of "professional" students that would limit how much some graduate students can borrow in federal loans. Experts warn the change could worsen health care workforce shortages by discouraging advanced training.

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.