Student loan expert Dr. Sonia Lewis, also known as The Student Loan Doctor, issued an urgent warning to borrowers during an appearance on WDAS 105.3 FM.
She is urging borrowers to take immediate steps to safeguard their student loan information.
With the Trump administration making rapid and unpredictable changes to federal student loan policies, Lewis stressed that borrowers must stay informed and proactive.
“One day we don’t know if the Department of Education is going to close, the next day they’re removing repayment plans, and then they’re taking away loan forgiveness programs,” she cautioned on March 17, 2025 on WDAS 105.3FM.
Key Takeaways from Lewis’ Advice
- Secure Your Loan Records – Lewis advised borrowers to log into StudentAid.gov and print out a copy of their loan details. If the Department of Education shuts down or shifts responsibilities to the Department of Treasury, private lenders could take over loan servicing, potentially making current records inaccessible.
- Repayment Plans in Jeopardy – Income-driven repayment (IDR) plans, which include loan forgiveness after 20 or 25 years of payments, are under threat. However, Lewis pointed out that these plans were originally approved by Congress and cannot be easily dismantled.
- Loan Forgiveness Programs at Risk – Several student loan forgiveness options, including Borrower Defense to Repayment (for those defrauded by schools) and Total and Permanent Disability Discharge, are in limbo. Applications have been paused or may soon be eliminated.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Still Active – PSLF remains available for now, providing relief for public service workers who have made qualifying payments. However, Lewis warned that changes could come at any time.
Lewis explained that student loan debt is a “five or six-figure burden for most people,” making it crucial for borrowers to remain vigilant.
As uncertainty looms, she urged everyone to stay informed and take action now to protect their financial future.
