Disillusioned with grading AI-generated essays and scantrons, I decided to conduct oral exams for my lower-division history classes this finals season. Students booked half-hour slots via Google Calendar, starting after our last class and finishing before the grade submission deadline. The 20 in-person slots quickly filled, taking place in our classroom and my office. Students…
Millions of borrowers are nearing what experts term a student loan default cliff. Reports from the Congressional Research Service and CNBC indicate over 9 million borrowers are behind on payments, with 5.3 million already in default and another 4.3 million close to it. Senator Elizabeth Warren labeled this an “economic disaster in the making” and…
Relocating to another country does not eliminate student loans; it complicates their management. The loans and repayment regulations remain, but the process of reporting, verifying, and using income for Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans is altered. The manner in which U.S. taxes are filed, especially when utilizing the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), can influence what…
For parents holding federal student loans, the year 2026 marks a critical moment. According to the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act, those with Parent PLUS loans risk losing the opportunity for forgiveness if they don’t complete consolidation in time. Waiting until the “official” deadline might result in a permanent exclusion from income-driven repayment (IDR)…
Attending medical school has always been expensive, and as 2026 approaches, the focus is shifting from the amount students can borrow to what happens after borrowing. Changes in federal loan limits, repayment rules, and tuition costs require students to strategize before starting their studies. This guide explains how to finance medical school in 2026 with…
Borrowers with substantial federal student loans considering additional borrowing after July 1, 2026, should be aware of the new RAP rules in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which could alter repayment strategies. This article examines the “poison pill” effect, focusing on the mechanics rather than political aspects. This information is particularly relevant for…
On March 31, 2026, the Department of Education revised the calculation method for PSLF Buyback amounts for borrowers under the SAVE plan. The new calculations will use IBR, PAYE, or ICR formulas, which are more costly. For instance, under the SAVE formula, a borrower might owe $4,300, but with IBR, this could rise to $12,800….
As of March 14, 2026, updates on federal and private student loans for the year are being tracked, with new policy changes and court decisions being highlighted. This page will be updated regularly with date-specific information. Later in March 2026, the Department of Education (DOE) is anticipated to announce final RISE initiative regulations. These may…
Is there an income restriction for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)? No, there is no earnings limit, salary threshold, or maximum income for qualifying for PSLF. High earners are not disqualified from PSLF based on income, but it significantly affects financial calculations. This guide provides essential information for high earners: selecting the right repayment plan,…
The instructor’s drawings are shown here, with course details and my own drawings to follow. I’m not criticizing those who set New Year’s goals. Cheers to Taylor Kay Phillips for taking over Lyz Lenz’s Dingus of the Week and advocating for people to enjoy their resolutions. This year, Robert Talbert’s My Start/Stop/Continue for 2026 has…
