$1.6 trillion in student debt: Federal loan collections restart May 5 as repayment campaign begins

The US Department of Education will resume collections on defaulted federal student loans starting May 5, 2025, ending a four-year pandemic-era pause. With $1.6 trillion in outstanding debt and millions in default or delinquency, the Department is launching a national campaign to guide borrowers back into repayment. The initiative includes enhanced tools, communication efforts, and compliance with federal law to ensure repayment while protecting taxpayers from absorbing further loan-related costs.