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Student Loan Default Help

Student Connections

Pima Community College has partnered with Student Connections to bring you more resources to build skills in using financial resources wisely. Click here for more information to access free help with your student loan repayment.

You also have the opportunity to speak with an advisor one-on-one for FREE.

Make an Advising Appointment:

PCC’s Official Cohort Default Rate

Preventing Loan Default

Some of the things you should do to help prevent default include:

  • Make sure you understand your options and responsibilities before borrowing.
  • Complete Student Direct Loan Exit Counseling before withdrawing, graduating, or dropping below half-time attendance.
  • Update your contact information in your profile on both, your loan servicer’s website and on StudentAid.gov.
  • Review your financial aid history and loan details on StudentAid.gov.

The Department of Education offers Loan Repayment Plans and Calculators.

Student Loan Default

Student Loan default is a serious consequence of not repaying your loans. It will occur if you fail to make a payment for 270 days. It is important to understand the consequences of default and take action immediately. Not paying back your student loans can have serious consequences including:

  • The lender can require that you repay the entire amount immediately, including all interest, collections, and late payment charges.
  • The lender can sue you and can ask the federal government for help in collecting from you.
  • The lender can garnish your wages.
  • The Internal Revenue Service may withhold your income tax refund and apply it toward your loan repayment.
  • You cannot get any additional federal student aid until you make satisfactory arrangements to repay your loan.
  • The lender may notify credit bureaus of your default. This may affect your credit rating, which will make it difficult to obtain credit cards, car, and/or home loans in the future.

In many cases, loan default can be avoided by submitting a request for a deferment, forbearance, discharge, or cancellation and by providing the required documentation.

There are several options for repaying your loans if you suffer financial hardship or other circumstances.

Defaulted Student Loan information line: 1-800-621-3115.

Problems?

If, at any time, you find you are having financial difficulties, do not ignore your student loans! Call your student loan servicer or Pima for help.

The U.S. The Department of Education's Federal Student Aid (FSA) Ombudsman Group helps resolve problems related to student loans when other approaches have failed. Borrowers must make every effort to resolve student loan problems before contacting the Ombudsman. Borrowers who have completed steps to resolving their loan dispute and are still not satisfied may contact the Ombudsman by either completing an online form or by calling 1-877-557-2575.

Additional Resources 

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