Explained: Trump’s student loan reset—how interest resumes, what it costs SAVE borrowers, and what RAP will change in 2026

Millions of SAVE plan borrowers face renewed interest accrual on federal student loans, costing them thousands annually. Despite a court injunction not explicitly mandating this, the Education Department, under new leadership, implemented the change. This shift, impacting primarily low-income households, signals a move away from Biden-era relief towards stricter repayment enforcement, culminating in the upcoming RAP program.