Federal Student Loan Program
A government program that provides loans to students for higher education. The discussion touches upon the consequences of this program and what might happen if it were ended.
First Mentioned
9/17/2025, 2:49:46 AM
Last Updated
9/17/2025, 3:00:00 AM
Research Retrieved
9/17/2025, 3:00:00 AM
Summary
The Federal Student Loan Program is a significant factor contributing to the massive student loan debt crisis facing higher education. This crisis, alongside concerns about the return on investment for higher education and administrative bloat within universities, is eroding the business model and public trust in these institutions. University leaders are grappling with these challenges, as well as issues of viewpoint diversity, institutional neutrality, and free expression. External pressures from politics and Supreme Court rulings, coupled with a decline in K-12 preparedness, further complicate the landscape. While artificial intelligence presents potential disruptions, universities maintain their role in preparing students for the future of work by cultivating uniquely human skills, with university endowments playing a crucial role in financial aid and research support. Reforms and positive initiatives are being implemented, contrasting with negative events that have impacted public perception.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Purpose
To help eligible students or their parents/guardians cover the cost of higher education
Servicers
Private companies like Aidvantage manage billing, questions, and payments on behalf of FSA
Program Type
Government-provided loan program
Special Programs
Student Loan Forgiveness, Loan Repayment Programs, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Total and Permanent Disability Discharge, Discharge due to death
Repayment Options
Standard, graduated, extended, income-driven repayment plans
Administering Body
Federal Student Aid (FSA) within the U.S. government
Benefit Comparison
Offers different benefits than private student loans and should be explored first
Types of Direct Loans
Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans (Grad PLUS, Parent PLUS)
Key Component Programs
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (Direct Loans), Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP), Federal Perkins Loans
Timeline
- Defense Loans, a type of federal student loan, were made. (Source: Web Search Result 3)
Before 1972-07-01
- National Direct Student Loans began to be made, continuing until July 1, 1987. (Source: Web Search Result 3)
1972-07-01
- National Direct Student Loans ceased to be made. (Source: Web Search Result 3)
1987-07-01
- The Federal Student Loan Program, including the Federal Direct Loan Program, continues to provide financial aid and is a significant factor in student loan debt. (Source: Related Document 1, Web Search Result 1)
Ongoing
Web Search Results
- Federal Student Loans – Eligibility, Interest Rates, & How to Apply
A federal student loan is a type of loan provided by the U.S. government to eligible students or their parents/guardians to help cover the cost of higher education. Since funds are distributed directly from the government, they are a dependable option for financing education. Paying for college tip After exploring federal loans, private student loans can help if you still need more money to cover college expenses. See our private student loans ## Types of federal student loans [...] These federal student loans are available through the Federal Direct Loan Program. Since federal loans offer different benefits than private student loans, you should always explore them first. ### Learn more about the three types of federal student loans [...] There are several types of federal student loans, including: Direct Subsidized Loans Direct Unsubsidized Loans Direct PLUS Loans, of which there are two types: Grad PLUS Loans for graduate and professional students, as well as loans that can be issued to a student's parents, also known as Parent PLUS Loans.
- Federal student loan repayment options - Aidvantage
× Image 8: fsa logo Federal Student Aid (FSA) is your federal loan provider. FSA uses servicers (private companies) like Aidvantage to manage billing, questions, and payments, and to help you enroll in the best repayment plan for you. Learn more about Federal Student Aid See your repayment options with Loan Simulator Close [...] Federal Student Aid (FSA) is your federal loan provider. FSA uses servicers (private companies) like Aidvantage to manage billing, questions, and payments, and to help you enroll in the best repayment plan for you. Learn more about Federal Student Aid See your repayment options with Loan Simulator © Maximus Education, LLC dba Aidvantage. All rights reserved. Aidvantage NMLS# 2241381 (NMLS Consumer Access) About UsTerms of UsePrivacy PolicyAccessibilitySite MapNoticesstudentaid.govusa.gov [...] The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (“Direct Loans”), or The Federal Family Education Loan Program (“FFEL Program” or “FFELP”) Traditional repayment plans Borrowers of Direct and FFELP loans generally have three repayment plans to choose from: standard, graduated, and extended. ### Standard repayment plan
- Student Loan Repayment - OPM
As with any incentive, this authority is used at the discretion of the agency. Each agency must develop a plan to describe how the program will be implemented.As a result, not all agencies have a need for or utilize the student loan repayment program and/or not all new Federal hires/current employees may be eligible, however, there are many other possible incentives, compensation, leave, and benefit programs available for Federal employees. To learn more about them, please visit the Federal [...] Federal Consolidation Loans (Direct subsidized and Direct unsubsidized); Defense Loans (made before July 1, 1972); National Direct Student Loans (made between 7/1/72 and 7/1/87); and Perkins Loans. Loans covered under the Public Health Service Act include the: Nursing Student Loan Program loans; Health Profession Student Loan Program loans; and Health Education Assistance Loan Program loans. ### Eligibility, Size of Payments, Service, and Repayment Options [...] Under 5 U.S.C. 5379 and 5 CFR part 537, Federal agencies are authorized to implement a program under which they may agree to repay certain types of student loans as a recruitment or retention incentive for highly qualified personnel. Below is a summary of the best practices and lessons learned by agencies that have successfully implemented student loan repayment programs. This information is intended to assist agencies in establishing and administering a student loan repayment program.
- Federal Student Loan Forgiveness and Loan Repayment Programs
Image 3: Library of Congress Image 4: Copyright.gov Back to top Loading... [...] CRS Products are created by Congressional Research Service | About CRS Products | Browse CRS Products Fewer OptionsMore Options CitationSubscribeShare/SaveSite Feedback Home>CRS Products (Library of Congress)> R43571 Federal Student Loan Forgiveness and Loan Repayment Programs CRS PRODUCT (LIBRARY OF CONGRESS) Hide Overview | CRS Product Type: | Reports | [...] Federal Student Loan Forgiveness and Loan Repayment Programs | Congress.gov | Library of Congress skip to main content Navigation Image 1: Congress.gov Advanced Searches Browse Legislation Congressional Record Committees Members Search Tools Support Glossary Help Contact Close Support Search the Help Center GO Browse the Help Center Glossary Contact Search Within - [x] GO
- Student Loan Forgiveness - Federal Student Aid
You’ll need to pay back your loan according to the terms of the promissory note) you signed. If you have a Direct Loan or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loan, talk to your loan servicer about repayment options. If your loan is in default), find out how to begin repaying your loan and review your options for getting out of default. If you believe we denied your application by mistake, contact your loan servicer for more information. ### Additional Links [...] Federal student loans will be discharged if the borrower or the student on whose behalf a PLUS loan was taken out dies. This is true whether the loan is a Direct Loan, Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loan, or Federal Perkins Loan. Learn more about discharge due to death and what documentation the loan servicer needs. IMPORTANT: If you don’t qualify for loan forgiveness, cancellation, or discharge, you must repay your loan, whether or not you [...] _Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans and Federal Perkins Loans may become eligible for PSLF if you consolidate your loans into the Direct Loan Program._ Apply for PSLF If You Have a Disability #### Total and Permanent Disability Discharge You may qualify for a total and permanent disability discharge of your federal student loans and/or your Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant) service obligation if