April 23, 2025

Student Loan Collections Resume in Tampa

News Summary

Residents of Tampa should be aware that federal student loan collections are set to resume on May 5 after a pause since the pandemic began. Borrowers may find themselves in default unknowingly, and it is crucial to check loan statuses. Over five million borrowers are at risk of default, which could severely impact their credit scores. Additionally, interest rates for federal student loans are expected to rise significantly this July. The Biden administration is also forgiving $6.1 billion in student debt for borrowers from The Art Institutes, which raises awareness about student loan issues.

Attention Borrowers: Student Loan Collections Set to Resume in Tampa

Residents of Tampa, listen up! If you have federal student loans, you might want to pay attention to the latest news. Starting on May 5, the Department of Education is gearing up to resume collections on defaulted federal student loans. Yes, you read that right—collections have been on pause since the beginning of the pandemic, and now they’re ready to kick back into action.

Understanding Default Status

Now, here’s something crucial to understand: borrowers don’t just default on their loans overnight! It actually takes about 270 days, or roughly nine months, of missed payments for a loan to be classified as defaulted. Many borrowers might not even realize they’re in delinquency status, thinking instead that they’re in some sort of forbearance or deferment.

And here’s a not-so-friendly reminder: if you do end up in default, it could seriously hurt your credit score—often causing reductions of up to several hundred points! So if you haven’t made a payment in a while, you’ll want to check your loan status ASAP.

Taking Action

In the next two weeks, if you are in default, expect to receive an email notification. Currently, over five million borrowers have not made a monthly payment in more than 360 days, setting them up for this unpleasant surprise. Once in default, the federal government can collect on loans in various ways, including intercepting your tax refunds or even garnishing wages.

But don’t panic just yet! You can easily check your loan status online or by contacting your servicer. And if you’re in default, there are two main paths to recovery: loan rehabilitation or loan consolidation.

High Borrowing Costs Looming

Now, while you’re trying to sort out your defaulted loans, keep in mind that borrowing costs for student loans are expected to reach a 16-year high soon. Starting in July, the interest rate for federal undergraduate loans is projected to rise to 6.5%, compared to the current rate of 5.5%. For instance, if you have a $28,000 loan, the new rate could mean about an additional $10,000 in interest over ten years—a whopping 35% increase in borrowing costs!

Families looking into college options should start considering saving plans and scholarships, like the Florida Bright Futures program. Florida has a goal for 60% of its residents to earn a postsecondary degree or credential by 2030. So, it’s a great time to be planning!

Debt Forgiveness Updates

$6.1 billion in student debt for 317,000 borrowers from The Art Institutes, which was found to have misrepresented graduate employment rates and salaries. This institution closed permanently in September 2023, and eligible borrowers who attended any of its campuses between 2004 and 2017 will automatically have their loans forgiven—notifications for this debt discharge will start rolling out on May 1.

Currently, U.S. student loan debt totals around $1.7 trillion, impacting about 45 million borrowers. Some lawmakers, like Senator Chuck Schumer, are advocating for the cancellation of up to $50,000 in student debt per borrower as a way to stimulate the economy. However, this has sparked opposition from Republican members of Congress, who are concerned about shifting the financial burden to taxpayers.

Final Thoughts

So Tampa borrowers, it’s time to tackle those student loans head-on! Keep an eye on your email notifications, check your loan status, and assess your options for getting back on track. The world of education financing is shifting, and it’s essential to stay informed. Good luck!

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Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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