Adults, Learning

Do you have student loans? Are you thinking about borrowing money for grad school? This episode of the Idealist Grad Schools podcast takes a closer look at two student debt relief programs established by the College Cost Reduction and Access Act.

• Part One, on Public Service Loan Forgiveness focuses on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, in which many nonprofit and government workers stand to gain tens of thousands of dollars of student debt relief — after meeting several program requirements.
• Part Two which focuses on Income-Based Repayment, a crucial component of PSLF that is available now and that allows you to make even $0 payments to your loans, if that’s all you can afford. Any qualifying federal student loan holders can access income-based repayment now, even AmeriCorps members and Peace Corps Volunteers who usually don’t pay loans during service.

But the program requirements can be confusing. Idealist’s Amy Potthast chats with Heather Jarvis of AskHeatherJarvis.com about a step-by-step approach to understanding both programs. A former capital defense attorney saddled with $125K of law school debt, Heather Jarvis now dedicates her expertise to helping student loan borrowers make better decisions so that higher education can be a reality for all – not just those who can afford it. She has contributed to student debt relief policy for the House Education Committee and others in Congress, and spent more than six years advocating for public service loan forgiveness, which allows more recent graduates to dedicate their careers to the greater good. Just as we were editing this show, President Obama announced changes to the way current and future students can repay student loans. Learn more on Heather’s site. Heather’s favorite resources for more information — mentioned on the podcast:

• Student Loan Borrower Assistance.org Information about repayment options, avoiding and getting out of default, and dealing with collections agencies.
• Project on Student Debt State-by-state data, research, and policy analysis.
• IBRinfo.org Clear information about Income-Based Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Check out the groovy animated student debt monster!
• FinAid! The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid An online resource for comprehensive information about all aspects of financial aid.
• GL Advisor A financial advisory firm designed to help students and young professionals manage their student loan debt. Heather recommends their Free Personalized Student Loan Assessment.