Department of Education Reinforces College Responsibilities for Student Loan Borrowers

Published May 19, 2025

By AACOM Government Relations

Federal Policy Higher Education OME Advocate

  • On May 5, 2025, the Department of Education (ED) issued a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) to institutions of higher education reminding them of their shared responsibility under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to support student loan borrowers.
  • ED’s DCL outlined key actions institutions should take to tackle rising student debt and enhance borrower outcomes, such as:
    • Providing accurate loan information
    • Offering borrower counseling
    • Ensuring transparency in financial aid practices
  • The DCL was published the same day that ED resumed involuntary collections on defaulted student loans.
  • AACOM continues to monitor activities related to ED and will provide updates as needed. Please contact aacomgr@aacom.org with questions.