Student Loan Repayment: Who Is Struggling and What Are the Next Steps?

Today, more than 40 million Americans hold student loans. The U.S. Department of Education reports that more than 8 million federal student loan borrowers—close to 20 percent—are in default and have not made a payment in at least a year. In addition, close to 3 million William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (the largest federal student loan program, commonly known as direct loan) borrowers are more than 30 days delinquent.

Please join us as we launch a new line of work centered around student loans with an expert discussion of which borrowers are most at risk for delinquency and default, what research is needed to address tough questions, and where policymakers should focus their efforts. Register above to attend in person or join the webcast. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Agenda

8:30 – 9 a.m. Networking and breakfast

9 – 9:10 a.m. Welcome

Travis Plunkett, The Pew Charitable Trusts

9:10 – 10 a.m. Session 1 – Who is struggling the most with student debt?

Moderator: Kimberly Hefling, Politico

Adam Looney, Brookings Institution

Joanna Darcus, National Consumer Law Center

Debra Chromy, Education Finance Council

10 – 10:10 a.m. Break

10:10 – 10:55 a.m. Session 2 – How did we get here? Perspectives from the past two presidential administrations

Moderator: Adam Harris, The Atlantic

Cheryl Oldham, U.S.Chamber of Commerce

James Kvaal, The Institute for College Access and Success

Josh Mitchell, The Wall Street Journal and author of the forthcoming book, Debt Trap

10:55 – 11:05 a.m. Break

11:05 a.m. – Noon Session 3 – Where do we go from here?

Moderator: Jillian Berman, MarketWatch

Matthew Chingos, Urban Institute

Julie Margetta Morgan, Roosevelt Institute

Scott Miller, Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency

Daniel Madzelan, American Council on Education

Noon – 1 p.m. Networking lunch

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