Education Dept Updates Student Loan Form
Published Date: 7/7/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Education is updating the form that helps students pick their loan repayment plans for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. This affects about 660,000 borrowers who’ll have a clearer, easier way to choose how they pay back their loans. Comments on the changes are open until August 6, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Repayment form updated for OBBBA
The Department of Education is revising the William D. Ford Direct Loan Repayment Plan Selection Form to include new regulatory requirements from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (signed July 4, 2025). The revision affects about 660,000 borrowers and updates OMB Control Number 1845-0014 so the form reflects the statute changes.
Default to Standard Repayment if no choice
If a Direct Loan borrower does not select an initial repayment plan, the borrower will be placed on the Standard Repayment Plan or the Tiered Standard Repayment Plan under 34 CFR 685.210(a)(2). This automatic placement happens before loans enter repayment unless the borrower chooses a plan.
Paperwork burden for borrowers
The Department estimates this information collection will involve about 660,000 annual responses and a total of 110,220 annual burden hours for respondents (individuals or households). This is the estimated time respondents will spend filling out or changing the repayment plan form.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15019, Rescinding Portions of the Department of Education Title VI Regulations To Align With the Statutory Text and Conform to Executive Order 14281
The Department of Education is changing its rules to stop punishing unintentional discrimination under Title VI, focusing only on intentional discrimination instead. This update, effective July 24, 2026, will make things clearer, cut costs for schools and organizations getting federal money, and follow a new executive order about fairness and opportunity. If you receive federal funds, these changes affect how you follow civil rights rules.
2025-15665, William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program
The government wants to change the rules for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to stop people working for shady employers from getting loan forgiveness. This means if your job is with an organization involved in serious illegal activities, you won’t qualify for loan help anymore. These changes protect taxpayers and make sure the program is fair, coming soon to keep things on the up and up.
2026-17006, Final Waiver and Extension of the Project Period With Funding for Arts in Education National Program
The Secretary waives the requirements in the Education Department General Administrative Regulations that generally prohibit extensions involving the obligation of additional Federal funds. The waiver and extension enables one project under Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.351A to receive funding for an additional period, not to exceed September 30, 2027.
2026-17001, Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization: The Secretary's Recognition of Accrediting Agencies: Institutional Eligibility Under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as Amended, Student Assistance General Provisions
The Department proposes to revise the existing accrediting agency recognition regulations at 34 CFR part 602 to implement the directives set forth in Executive Order 14279, Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education, and other Administration priorities, align the regulations more closely with statute, and reduce regulatory burden.
2026-16596, Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions
The Secretary of Education publishes an l agenda of Federal regulatory and deregulatory actions. The agenda is issued under the authority of section 4(b) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review. The purpose of the agenda is to encourage more effective public participation in the regulatory process by providing the public with early information about the regulatory actions we plan to take.
2026-16541, Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; National Special Education Spending Study
The Department of Education wants your thoughts on a new survey about how special education money is spent across the country. Schools, districts, and anyone involved in special education will be part of this study, which aims to make sure funds are used wisely. You’ve got until October 13, 2026, to share your comments—so don’t miss out on shaping this important project!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-13645, Notice of Scope Ruling Applications Filed in Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings
The U.S. Department of Commerce is letting everyone know that companies have asked if certain products fall under special import taxes called antidumping and countervailing duties. This affects businesses importing or exporting these products and could change how much tax they pay. The official review started July 7, 2026, so keep an eye out if you’re involved in international trade!
Next: 2026-13648, Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change to Except Accounts Pursuant to Section 530A of the Internal Revenue Code From the Requirements of FINRA Rule 3210 (Accounts At Other Broker-Dealers and Financial Institutions)
FINRA is updating its rules to exclude certain accounts protected under a new tax law (Section 530A) from extra paperwork and approval steps. This change helps financial pros handle these special accounts more easily, starting right away with no extra costs. If you work with broker-dealers or financial institutions, this means smoother account management from now on!