Researchers On The Importance Of Federal Student Aid Programs

Nine Scholars Provide Public Comment on Proposed Federal Loan Changes

On May 1st, 2025, nine scholars spoke at the U.S. Department of Education’s Public Hearing on Negotiated Rulemaking. This hearing marks the beginning of the Department’s process to revise key federal student aid regulations under Title IV, rules that shape federal student loan programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), and Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR).

As part of this process, the Department must gather and consider public input. The scholars shared insights on why these programs matter, how they impact access to college, and what affordability means for students and families across the country. Scholars Strategy Network supported scholars in registering for the hearing and preparing their statements. 

Recorded Public Comments

Watch the full recording of nine scholars speaking at the U.S. Department of Education’s May 1st public hearing on federal student aid.

 

 

Written Public Comments

Headshot of Stephanie Aguilar-Smith against SSN's blue-green texture file

Stephanie Aguilar-Smith

"I strongly urge including diverse voices in this rulemaking process, especially Black, Indigenous and borrowers and representatives from Hispanic Serving Institutions and Minority Serving Institutions."

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Headshot of Monnica Chan against SSN's blue-green texture file

Monnica Chan

"Automating and simplifying eligibility and verification processes as well as small changes to messaging could go far in addressing the well-documented administrative and behavioral challenges to navigating repayment."

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Headshot of Daniel Collier against SSN's blue-green texture file

Daniel Collier

"In uncertain economic times, current policies force borrowers to choose between loan repayment and basic needs, worsening hardship for families on the financial edge."

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Headshot of Frederick V. Engram Jr. against SSN's blue-green texture file

Frederick V. Engram Jr.

"Black women carry a disproportionate amount of the $1.7 trillion debt, and this is solely because of anti-Black racism."

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Headshot of Denisa Gándara against SSN's blue-green texture file

Denisa Gándara

"[For students and borrowers...] loan uncertainty affects not just their finances, but also their mental and physical health, their career paths, their workplace productivity, home ownership, and their family planning decisions."

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Headshot of Nicholas Hartlep against SSN's blue-green texture file

Nicholas Hartlep

"The U.S. Department of Education should make it easier to recertify employment annually and improve communication with borrowers to make sure they understand eligibility requirements."

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Headshot of Arielle Kuperberg against SSN's blue-green texture file

Arielle Kuperberg

"Expanding access to income driven repayments and PSLF and reducing the time to which debt is paid off in full on these plans would allow those with loans to move forward with family formation, and would improve health and mental health."

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Headshot of Joan Maya Mazelis against SSN's blue-green texture file

Joan Maya Mazelis

"Without [PSLF], college would only be for the wealthy or those who choose the most lucrative careers, and some of the most important jobs would remain vacant."

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Headshot of Jerry Whitmore Jr. against SSN's blue-green texture file

Jerry Whitmore Jr.

"The people served by PSLF, public school teachers, early childhood educators, healthcare workers, public defenders, and others are not a threat to society. They are the backbone of local economies and thriving democracy."

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Contact Info

Interested in participating in public comment opportunities like this? Reach out to Andrew Pope, SSN's Director of Policy, at [email protected].