Washington, D.C. – Calls to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education have sparked warnings from financial and legal experts, who say the move could wreak havoc on millions of Americans dealing with federal student loans.
With over 43 million borrowers currently holding more than $1.6 trillion in student debt, experts argue that shutting down the department responsible for managing these loans would disrupt repayment systems, pause forgiveness programs, and confuse borrowers nationwide.
Student Loan System at Risk
The Department of Education oversees the Federal Student Aid (FSA) office, which manages loan servicing, payment plans, forgiveness programs, and default prevention.
“If the Department is dismantled, there’s no clear plan for who would take over these vital functions,” said a leading education policy analyst.
“It would create chaos for borrowers and lenders alike, especially those in income-driven repayment or forgiveness plans.”
Impact on Borrowers
Key risks if the department is eliminated:
- Loan servicing delays and mismanagement
- Disruption of forgiveness programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Increased borrower confusion with no central authority
- Potential legal battles over loan agreements and federal guarantees
Millions could face missed payments, credit damage, and lost access to assistance.
Political Push and Opposition
Some lawmakers pushing for the move argue the federal government should not control education, suggesting that states take over. Critics, however, warn that states lack infrastructure for managing massive federal loan portfolios.
The White House has not committed to dismantling the department but acknowledged the debate. Meanwhile, borrower advocacy groups are calling for protection of current loan programs.
Conclusion
Experts stress that dismantling the Department of Education without a solid transition plan could lead to mass confusion and financial hardship. For millions of student loan holders, the department’s existence is essential to stable repayment and support.