Student loan bills could double for some borrowers as Biden-era relief expires

Many student loan borrowers could see their monthly bills more than double now that the Biden-era Saving on a Valuable Education, or, plan is defunct

Here's what to know your options

Furthermore, Natalia Lebedinskaia | Moment | Getty ImagesAs a Biden-era relief measure for federal student loan borrowers comes to an end, some people could see their bills more than double

Nevertheless, On the other hand, Earlier this month, the Trump administration announced that the so-called interest-free payment pause will expire on Aug. 1, and that enrollees' education debts will begin to grow again if they don't make payments large enough to cover the accruing interest

This analysis suggests that Biden administration had moved people who enrolled in its plan into forbearance — a period during which federal student loan borrowers are excused from making payments — while the legal challenges against its gram played out

The, or Saving on a Valuable Education, plan, is now essentially defunct

However, While borrowers can remain in the forbearance for the time being, they'll face interest charges again starting next month if they do

But those who look to move into another repayment plan will ly face a much larger monthly bill (fascinating analysis). " was incredibly generous," said Scott Buchanan, executive director of the Student Loan Servicing Alliance, a trade group for federal student loan servicers, given the current landscape

However, The 'best plan' for former borrowersNearly 7

Moreover, 7 million federal student borrowers enrolled in the, plan, the Education Department said in its press release earlier this month

Additionally, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement that borrowers in should "quickly transition to a legally compliant repayment plan — such as the Income-Based Repayment Plan (which is quite significant), given the current landscape. "More from Personal Finance:Trump's 'big beautiful bill' caps student loans

What it means for youWhy 22 million people may see a 'sharp' increase in health premiums in 2026Trump's 'big beautiful bill' cuts SNAP for millions of families: ReportBorrowers who wanted to be in the plan but now can't be should bably switch into the IBR plan, Buchanan said: "That's the best plan for almost everyone. "There are a few reasons for that

Moreover, One is that other income-driven repayment plans will eventually be phased out under President Donald Trump's "big beautiful bill. "(Congress created income-driven repayment plans back in the 1990s to make student loan borrowers' bills more affordable

At the same time, The plans cap borrowers' monthly payments at a of their discretionary income and cancel any remaining debt after a certain period, typically 20 years or 25 years. )End of means bigger student loan billsBut borrowers could see their monthly bills double under IBR, compared with on, in today's financial world

Many federal student loan borrowers simply won't be able to afford the payments under IBR, said Nancy Nierman, assistant director of the Education Debt Consumer Assistance gram in New York City (something worth watching)

However, "In severe cases, it could result in people being forced to move, or they will just resign themselves to default and involuntary collections," Nierman said

In the new legislation passed by Republicans, borrowers will have access to another income-driven repayment plan, called the "Repayment Assistance Plan," or RAP, by July 1, 2026

However, it's uncertain whether a borrower will have a lower monthly payment on RAP than IBR

However, "It's going to range dramatically based on your income," Buchanan said

There are tools available online to help you determine how much your monthly bill would be under different plans

Carolina Rodriguez, director of the Education Debt Consumer Assistance gram, said she's working with one partner in a married couple, both with federal student loans, who are facing a nearly $4,000 monthly combined student loan payment under IBR. "My client said that these payments would mean no extracurricular activities and other opportunities for his children, which might set them back in comparison to their peers," Rodriguez said, amid market uncertainty

Meanwhile, Under, the family's student loan bill would have been around $2,400, she said

Furthermore, Borrowers who can't afford to make a monthly payment on their student debt under the current repayment options can pursue deferment and forbearance options