Home / Education / DOE Forgives Loans for 164K Students at Bad Schools
DOE Forgives Loans for 164K Students at Bad Schools
2 Apr
Summary
- 164,000 borrowers may get automatic loan forgiveness.
- Eligibility is for students of 150+ colleges accused of misconduct.
- Relief is for federal student loans tied to institutional fraud.

The U.S. Department of Education is currently informing approximately 164,000 federal student loan borrowers about their eligibility for automatic student loan forgiveness. This significant outreach targets students who attended over 150 colleges facing allegations of misconduct.
The institutions are accused of serious misrepresentations, including false claims about graduation rates, post-graduation employment opportunities, and the overall cost of their programs. Borrowers receiving these notices may qualify for a discharge of their federal student loan balances without needing to submit a separate application.
For individuals who suspect they were deceived by their college but have not yet received a notification, a broader pathway for loan discharge remains available. This process requires borrowers to apply, presenting evidence of institutional misconduct. The department's actions highlight a growing emphasis on accountability for higher education institutions and their impact on student outcomes.
This targeted forgiveness is specifically linked to federal student loan discharge resulting from alleged college misconduct. The initiative aims to address financial burdens directly tied to fraudulent institutional practices, offering a crucial opportunity for borrowers to reassess their financial futures and long-term plans.