Student Loan Repayment & Default FAQ

As part of a national effort to help student loan borrowers avoid default and get back on track with repayment, D'Youville University is sharing the following information with former students who may have borrowed federal student loans.
If you attended D'Youville and borrowed federal student loans, please review these FAQs and take action before June 30, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is D'Youville contacting me about loan repayment?

The U.S. Department of Education has asked colleges and universities to contact former students who borrowed federal loans and are no longer enrolled. This is part of a national initiative to reduce loan defaults and ensure borrowers are aware of their responsibilities and repayment options.

I thought student loan payments were still paused-what changed?

The federal student loan payment pause ended in October 2023. Borrowers are now expected to make payments unless they are in deferment or forbearance. The government is also restarting collections on defaulted loans in 2025.

What should I do right now?

You should:

Log in to StudentAid.gov using your FSA ID
Review your loan balances and repayment status
Update your contact information
Explore income-driven repayment (IDR) plans that may lower or eliminate your monthly payment
Take action before June 30, 2025, to avoid consequences of default

What happens if I don't act before June 30, 2025?

If you do not take steps by this date:

You may enter default if your loans are more than 270 days delinquent
The government may seize your tax refund or Social Security through the Treasury Offset Program
Your wages could be garnished (up to 15%) without a court order
The Fresh Start program, which temporarily restored loan eligibility and wiped default from credit reports, will effectively close

What is an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan?

IDR plans adjust your monthly payment based on income and family size. Some borrowers qualify for $0 payments. These plans can also lead to loan forgiveness after 20–25 years of qualifying payments.

What is the Fresh Start program?

Fresh Start is a one-time federal initiative that allowed borrowers in default to return to good standing, access financial aid, and remove the default from their credit report. You must take action to enroll in Fresh Start before the opportunity ends in 2025.

What if I can't afford to make payments?

Apply for an IDR plan—many borrowers qualify for low or zero-dollar payments. Avoiding payments altogether can lead to default, but enrolling in a repayment plan will protect you.

How do I check the status of my student loans?

Loan balances and servicer information
Repayment and delinquency status
Options to enroll in repayment plans or deferment/forbearance

What if I don't remember my loan servicer?

Your loan servicer is listed in your StudentAid.gov account. They are your primary contact for repayment plans and questions.

How do I know if my loans are federal or private?

If the loan appears on StudentAid.gov, it’s a federal loan. Private loans will not appear there—you’ll need to check your credit report or contact your lender directly.

What is student loan default?

A loan is considered in default if you haven’t made payments for more than 270 days. Consequences include:

Damage to your credit score
Wage garnishment
Seizure of tax refunds or Social Security
Loss of eligibility for federal student aid

What if I'm already in default?

You may still be eligible for Fresh Start or other rehabilitation or consolidation options. Visit StudentAid.gov/default or contact your loan servicer.

Can I take out a Parent PLUS Loan if I'm in default on my own student loans?

No. If you are in default on a federal student loan, you are not eligible to take out a Parent PLUS Loan for your child’s education. Default is considered adverse credit history, which disqualifies you from borrowing.

How can I regain eligibility for a Parent PLUS Loan?

You can:

Rehabilitate your defaulted loan by making a series of on-time payments
Consolidate the defaulted loan into a new Direct Consolidation Loan and agree to repay it under an income-driven plan
Repay the loan in full

Once the default is resolved, you may regain eligibility to borrow.

What happens if I'm denied a Parent PLUS Loan due to credit issues or default?

Your child may become eligible for additional unsubsidized Direct Loans:

Up to an additional $4,000 per year in their first and second years
Up to $5,000 per year in later years

Encourage your student to contact the financial aid office for details.

Can this affect my ability to go back to college?

Yes. If you’re in default, you may not be eligible for additional federal student aid. Taking steps now to get your loans back in good standing helps protect your future educational options.

What if my contact information has changed?

Log in to StudentAid.gov and update your address, phone number, and email. Keeping your information current ensures you don’t miss critical updates from your servicer.

Can D'Youville help me?

Yes! While we don’t manage your federal loans directly, our Student Financial Services team can guide you through your next steps, help you understand your options, and connect you with resources.