Ibrahim Gardner
Navigating the complexities of student loan forgiveness can be overwhelming, especially for DeVry University graduates who may have been misled by the institution's practices. DeVry has faced significant legal scrutiny for deceptive advertising and misrepresentation of job placement rates, leading to settlements that include loan forgiveness options for eligible borrowers. To explore forgiveness opportunities, students should first determine if they qualify under programs like the Borrower Defense to Repayment, which allows borrowers to seek discharge if their school violated state laws. Additionally, DeVry-specific settlements, such as the Federal Trade Commission’s $100 million refund program, may offer relief. Borrowers should gather documentation, such as enrollment records and evidence of misrepresentation, and submit a formal application to the U.S. Department of Education. Consulting with a student loan advisor or attorney can also provide clarity and increase the chances of a successful outcome.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Loan Forgiveness Programs | Borrower Defense to Repayment (BDR), Closed School Discharge, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Teacher Loan Forgiveness, Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge |
| Eligibility Criteria | Attended DeVry University, experienced school misconduct, school closure during enrollment or within 120 days of withdrawal, qualifying employment for PSLF, certified disability |
| Borrower Defense to Repayment (BDR) | File a claim with the U.S. Department of Education alleging DeVry misled you about job placement rates, program accreditation, or other practices. Approved claims may result in full or partial discharge. |
| Closed School Discharge | Available if DeVry closed while you were enrolled or within 120 days of withdrawal. Applies to federal Direct Loans, FFEL, and Perkins Loans. |
| Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) | Work full-time for a qualifying employer (government or non-profit) for 10 years while making 120 qualifying payments. DeVry loans may qualify if they are federal Direct Loans. |
| Teacher Loan Forgiveness | Teach full-time for five consecutive years in a low-income school or educational service agency. Forgiveness amounts range from $5,000 to $17,500 depending on the subject taught. |
| Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge | Provide documentation of a permanent disability to the U.S. Department of Education. Applies to federal Direct Loans, FFEL, and Perkins Loans. |
| Application Process | Submit applications through the Federal Student Aid website or directly to your loan servicer. For BDR, use the official BDR application form. |
| Documentation Required | Proof of enrollment at DeVry, evidence of school misconduct (for BDR), employment certification (for PSLF), disability documentation (for TPD), teaching credentials (for Teacher Loan Forgiveness) |
| Current Status | As of 2023, the U.S. Department of Education has approved BDR claims for DeVry students due to proven misconduct. Other programs remain active with standard eligibility criteria. |
| Updates and Changes | Stay informed about changes to loan forgiveness programs through the Federal Student Aid website or reputable news sources. |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility for DeVry Loan Forgiveness
DeVry University has been at the center of several controversies, including allegations of misleading students about job placement rates and the value of their degrees. As a result, many former students are seeking loan forgiveness. Understanding the eligibility criteria is the first step toward potentially discharging your DeVry student loans. The primary pathway for DeVry loan forgiveness is through the Borrower Defense to Repayment (BDR) program, which allows borrowers to apply for forgiveness if their school violated state laws directly related to their loans or education. To qualify, you must demonstrate that DeVry engaged in misconduct, such as misrepresenting job placement rates, graduation statistics, or the transferability of credits. Evidence like enrollment agreements, marketing materials, or personal statements can strengthen your case.
Another eligibility route is through the Closed School Discharge program, but this applies only if you were enrolled or withdrew within 120 days of DeVry’s closure. Since DeVry remains operational, this option is unlikely to apply to most borrowers. However, if you attended a DeVry campus that closed, verify the closure dates and your enrollment status to determine eligibility. Keep in mind that this discharge covers only federal loans, not private ones.
For those who worked in public service, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program may offer relief, though it’s not specific to DeVry. To qualify, you must make 120 qualifying payments while working full-time for a government or nonprofit organization. While this doesn’t directly address DeVry’s misconduct, it’s a viable option for eligible borrowers. Ensure your loans are under the Direct Loan program and that your employer qualifies under PSLF guidelines.
Lastly, if you’re pursuing BDR, be aware of the application process. Submit your claim through the Federal Student Aid website, providing detailed evidence of DeVry’s misconduct. The review process can take months, so continue making payments if possible to avoid delinquency. If approved, your loans will be fully forgiven, and any payments made after the alleged misconduct may be refunded.
In summary, eligibility for DeVry loan forgiveness hinges on proving institutional misconduct through the BDR program, verifying enrollment during a campus closure, or qualifying for PSLF. Each pathway requires specific documentation and adherence to federal guidelines. Research thoroughly, gather evidence, and apply promptly to maximize your chances of success.
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Borrower Defense to Repayment Process
The Borrower Defense to Repayment (BDR) process is a federal provision allowing students to seek loan forgiveness if their school engaged in misconduct or violated state laws. For DeVry University students, this pathway has gained traction due to allegations of deceptive practices, including misrepresenting job placement rates and program outcomes. To initiate a BDR claim, borrowers must file an application with the U.S. Department of Education, providing evidence that DeVry’s actions directly harmed their ability to repay loans. This process is not automatic; it requires detailed documentation and a clear connection between the school’s misconduct and the borrower’s financial burden.
Steps to File a BDR Claim:
- Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant documents, such as enrollment agreements, marketing materials, and communications from DeVry that promised specific outcomes (e.g., job placement rates).
- Complete the Application: Use the Federal Student Aid website to access the BDR application form. Be specific in describing DeVry’s misconduct and how it affected your loan obligations.
- Submit Supporting Documentation: Include any evidence of DeVry’s violations, such as state attorney general investigations or news articles detailing the school’s deceptive practices.
- Monitor Your Claim: After submission, track the status of your application through the Department of Education’s online portal. Processing times vary, but approvals can lead to full or partial loan forgiveness.
Cautions and Considerations:
While the BDR process offers a pathway to relief, it is not without challenges. The Department of Education scrutinizes claims closely, and incomplete applications are often denied. Additionally, borrowers should be aware that approved claims may not result in immediate forgiveness; some cases are subject to appeals or further review. It’s also important to continue making loan payments until a decision is reached, as defaulting can harm your credit score.
Comparative Advantage of BDR:
Unlike other forgiveness programs, BDR directly addresses institutional wrongdoing, making it a powerful tool for DeVry students who were misled. For instance, while Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) requires 10 years of qualifying payments, BDR can provide relief without such a time commitment if the claim is successful. However, BDR is narrower in scope, requiring proof of specific misconduct, whereas income-driven repayment plans offer forgiveness based on payment history and income.
Practical Tips for Success:
- Stay Informed: Follow updates on DeVry-related lawsuits and settlements, as these can strengthen your claim.
- Seek Assistance: Nonprofit organizations like the Student Borrower Protection Center offer free guidance on navigating the BDR process.
- Be Persistent: If your initial claim is denied, consider appealing the decision with additional evidence or legal support.
In conclusion, the Borrower Defense to Repayment process is a viable option for DeVry students seeking loan forgiveness due to institutional misconduct. By carefully preparing a claim, staying informed, and leveraging available resources, borrowers can increase their chances of achieving financial relief.
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Closed School Discharge Requirements
If your school closes while you’re enrolled or shortly after you leave, you might qualify for a Closed School Discharge to eliminate your DeVry student loans. This federal program offers a lifeline to borrowers who couldn’t complete their program due to the school’s closure, but it comes with specific eligibility criteria. To qualify, you must have been enrolled at DeVry when it closed or have withdrawn no more than 120 days before the closure date. If you meet these conditions, your loans could be fully discharged, freeing you from repayment obligations.
The process begins with confirming DeVry’s closure date and your enrollment status at the time. The Department of Education maintains records of closed schools and their eligibility windows for discharge. If DeVry closed while you were attending or within the 120-day window after your withdrawal, you’re on the right track. However, if you transferred credits to another school or completed your program via a teach-out plan, you may not qualify. These scenarios often disqualify borrowers because they’re considered to have completed their studies, even if the school later closed.
Applying for a Closed School Discharge involves submitting a request to your loan servicer, typically using the official discharge application form provided by the Department of Education. Include documentation proving your enrollment status, such as transcripts or withdrawal records, to support your claim. Be proactive in gathering this evidence, as incomplete applications can delay or derail the process. If your loans are in collections, contact the collection agency directly to initiate the discharge request.
One common pitfall is assuming eligibility without verifying the closure date or your enrollment status. For instance, if you withdrew 150 days before DeVry closed, you wouldn’t qualify, even if the closure directly impacted your education. Another mistake is failing to differentiate between loan types—only federal student loans are eligible for this discharge, not private loans. Always review your loan details to ensure you’re pursuing the correct forgiveness path.
Finally, while the Closed School Discharge can provide significant relief, it’s not automatic. Borrowers must actively apply and meet all criteria. If approved, not only will your loan balance be eliminated, but any payments made toward the discharged loans may be refunded. This program underscores the importance of understanding your rights as a borrower and taking decisive action when your school’s closure disrupts your education.
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Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Option
If you’re a DeVry University graduate burdened by student loans, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program could be your lifeline. This federal initiative offers a path to debt relief for borrowers who commit to a career in public service. To qualify, you must work full-time for a qualifying employer—such as government organizations, nonprofits, or certain public service roles—and make 120 eligible payments under an income-driven repayment plan. DeVry loans, like other federal student loans, are eligible for PSLF, but only if they are Direct Loans. If your loans are Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) or Perkins Loans, you’ll need to consolidate them into a Direct Consolidation Loan to qualify.
The PSLF program isn’t a quick fix; it requires a decade of commitment. Each of the 120 payments must be made on time and in full while working for a qualifying employer. It’s crucial to track your progress by submitting the Employment Certification Form annually or whenever you change jobs. This ensures your payments are counted toward forgiveness and helps identify any issues early. For DeVry graduates, this program can be particularly appealing because it doesn’t require proving that the school misled you, unlike other forgiveness options like Borrower Defense to Repayment.
One common pitfall borrowers face is assuming their employer qualifies without verifying. Not all nonprofits or government jobs meet PSLF criteria. Use the Department of Education’s Employer Qualification Tool to confirm your workplace is eligible. Additionally, enrolling in an income-driven repayment plan is essential, as it caps your monthly payments at a percentage of your income, making it easier to manage while working in lower-paying public service roles. Plans like Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE) or Income-Based Repayment (IBR) are popular choices.
For DeVry graduates, combining PSLF with strategic repayment planning can maximize your chances of success. For instance, if you’re married, filing taxes separately can lower your payment amount under an income-driven plan, accelerating your progress toward forgiveness. Keep detailed records of all payments and employment certifications, as the Department of Education will require this documentation when you apply for forgiveness after 120 payments. While the process demands patience and diligence, PSLF offers a clear path to eliminating your DeVry student loans without the need for legal battles or proving institutional wrongdoing.
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Income-Driven Repayment Plan Forgiveness
Income-driven repayment (IDR) plans offer a lifeline for DeVry borrowers struggling to manage their student loan payments. These plans cap your monthly payment at a percentage of your discretionary income, typically 10-20%, making them more manageable for those with lower earnings. But the real game-changer is the forgiveness component: after 20-25 years of consistent payments, any remaining balance is forgiven. This isn’t a loophole—it’s a built-in feature designed to provide long-term relief for borrowers who faithfully adhere to the program.
To qualify for IDR forgiveness, you must first enroll in an eligible plan, such as Income-Based Repayment (IBR), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), or Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE). Each plan has specific eligibility criteria, but all require demonstrating partial financial hardship, meaning your federal student loan debt is disproportionately high relative to your income. For DeVry borrowers, this is often the case, given the institution’s history of questionable practices and the resulting financial strain on graduates. Once enrolled, it’s critical to recertify your income and family size annually to maintain your eligibility and avoid payment increases.
A common misconception is that IDR forgiveness is automatic. In reality, it requires meticulous record-keeping and proactive management. Keep detailed records of every payment, as errors in tracking can delay or disqualify your forgiveness eligibility. Additionally, be aware of the tax implications: forgiven amounts may be considered taxable income, though current laws offer temporary relief through 2025. Consulting a tax professional can help you prepare for potential liabilities down the line.
For DeVry borrowers, IDR forgiveness aligns with broader relief efforts, such as the Borrower Defense to Repayment program, which targets schools accused of deceptive practices. However, IDR is a more accessible option, as it doesn’t require proving institutional misconduct. Instead, it rewards consistent repayment over time, making it a practical strategy for those who don’t qualify for other forgiveness programs. By understanding and leveraging IDR, DeVry graduates can take control of their financial futures and work toward a debt-free life.
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Frequently asked questions
Options include the Borrower Defense to Repayment program, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), income-driven repayment (IDR) forgiveness, and loan discharge due to school closure or fraud.
DeVry students may qualify if they can prove the school misled them about job placement rates, program accreditation, or other issues. Submit an application to the U.S. Department of Education detailing the school’s misconduct.
If DeVry closed while you were enrolled or shortly after you withdrew, you may qualify for a closed school discharge. Contact your loan servicer and provide proof of enrollment during the closure.
Yes, if you work full-time for a qualifying public service employer and make 120 eligible payments under an income-driven repayment plan, you may qualify for PSLF, regardless of DeVry’s status.
Depending on the forgiveness program, prior payments may count toward eligibility. For example, PSLF and IDR forgiveness consider all qualifying payments, while Borrower Defense may refund payments made after the alleged misconduct.
