Will Private Student Loans Be Forgiven? What You Need To Know

Will private student loans be forgiven?

The short answer is no. Private student loans are not eligible for forgiveness because they are not issued or owned by the federal government, but by private lenders such as banks, credit unions, or online companies. These lenders are not obligated to follow the same rules or offer the same benefits as federal student loans, such as income-driven repayment plans, deferment, forbearance, or forgiveness programs. Private student loans are essentially like any other consumer debt, such as credit cards or personal loans, and you are legally responsible for repaying them according to the terms of your contract.

The only way private student loans could be forgiven is if the federal government decided to buy them from the private lenders and then cancel them, which is very unlikely to happen. There was a legislative proposal in 2020 that included private student loans in a forgiveness plan, but it was blocked by the Senate and never became law. President Biden has not indicated any intention to include private student loans in his forgiveness plan, which focuses only on federal student loans. Therefore, private student loan borrowers should not expect any relief from the government anytime soon.

What can I do to lower my private student loan payments?

While private student loans are not eligible for forgiveness, there are some ways you can lower your monthly payments or interest rates, depending on your situation and goals. Here are some options you can consider:

Refinance your private student loans.

This is the most common and effective way to save money on your private student loans. Refinancing means taking out a new loan with a different lender to pay off your existing loans. The new loan may have a lower interest rate, a longer repayment term, or both, which can reduce your monthly payments and the total amount of interest you pay over time. However, refinancing also has some drawbacks, such as losing any benefits or protections you may have with your original lender, such as grace periods, cosigner release, or hardship options. You also need to have a good credit score and a stable income to qualify for refinancing, and you may have to pay some fees or charges. Therefore, you should compare different lenders and offers before you decide to refinance your private student loans. You can use a loan marketplace like Credible to see if you are pre-approved for a personal loan offer.

Ask your lender for a payment pause or a hardship program.

If you are facing a temporary financial difficulty, such as losing your job, having a medical emergency, or experiencing a natural disaster, you may be able to request a payment pause or a hardship program from your private lender. This means that you can stop making payments for a certain period of time, usually between three and 12 months, without being charged late fees or penalties. However, this option is not guaranteed, and it depends on the discretion and policies of your lender. You may also have to provide proof of your hardship and agree to certain conditions, such as resuming payments when your situation improves, or paying a higher interest rate or a lump sum at the end of the pause. Moreover, interest will continue to accrue on your loan balance during the payment pause, which means that you will owe more money in the long run. Therefore, you should only use this option as a last resort and for a short period of time. You should contact your lender as soon as possible to discuss your options and eligibility.

Consolidate your private student loans.

This is similar to refinancing, but instead of taking out a new loan with a different lender, you take out a new loan with the same lender to combine your existing loans into one. This can simplify your repayment process and reduce the number of monthly payments you have to make, but it may not lower your interest rate or save you money. In fact, consolidation may increase your interest rate or extend your repayment term, which can increase the total amount of interest you pay over time. Therefore, you should only consider consolidation if you are happy with your current lender and you want to streamline your payments, not if you want to save money or get a lower rate. You should also check the terms and conditions of your new loan and compare them with your old loans before you agree to consolidate your private student loans.

What can I do to avoid defaulting on my private student loans?

Defaulting on your private student loans means failing to make your payments as agreed in your contract. This can have serious consequences, such as damaging your credit score, increasing your interest rate and fees, losing your benefits and protections, facing collection actions and lawsuits, and having your wages or tax refunds garnished. Therefore, you should do everything you can to avoid defaulting on your private student loans. Here are some tips to help you stay on track with your payments:

Make a budget and stick to it. The first step to managing your private student loans is to make a realistic budget that accounts for your income and expenses, including your loan payments. You should prioritize your essential needs, such as housing, food, utilities, and transportation, and cut back on unnecessary spending, such as eating out, entertainment, or shopping. You should also set aside some money for savings and emergencies, and pay more than the minimum on your loans whenever possible. A budget can help you live within your means and avoid falling behind on your payments.
Communicate with your lender. If you are having trouble making your payments, you should not ignore your lender or avoid their calls. Instead, you should communicate with them and explain your situation. Your lender may be willing to work with you and offer you some options, such as a payment pause, a hardship program, a lower interest rate, or a modified repayment plan. However, you have to be proactive and honest with your lender, and follow their instructions and requirements. You should also keep a record of your communication and agreements with your lender, and update them if your situation changes.
Seek professional help. If you are overwhelmed by your private student loan debt and you don’t know what to do, you may benefit from seeking professional help. There are some reputable organizations and agencies that can provide you with free or low-cost counseling, education, and guidance on how to manage your debt and improve your financial situation. For example, you can contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) to find a certified credit counselor near you. You can also consult a student loan lawyer or a bankruptcy attorney if you are facing legal issues or considering filing for bankruptcy. However, you should be careful and avoid any scams or fraudulent companies that promise to forgive or settle your private student loans for a fee. Remember, there is no magic solution or quick fix for your private student loan debt, and you should always do your research and verify the legitimacy and reputation of any company or service you use.

Conclusion – Will Private Student Loans Be Forgiven

Private student loans are not eligible for forgiveness, and you are responsible for repaying them according to the terms of your contract. However, there are some options you can explore to lower your payments or interest rates, such as refinancing, requesting a payment pause, or consolidating your loans. You should also avoid defaulting on your private student loans by making a budget, communicating with your lender, and seeking professional help if needed. By taking these steps, you can make your private student loans more manageable and reduce the stress and burden they cause.