Protecting the Cohort Default Rate from Forbearance Abuse

The cohort default rate has worked to reduce students’ risk of default, but decades of experience have also revealed weaknesses that policymakers must tackle. Driving Down Default outlines key priorities for strengthening the CDR to further reduce student loan default.

The College Affordability Act, introduced by House Education & Labor Committee Democrats, makes critical new investments in Pell Grants, funds a renewed federal-state partnership, makes student loans more affordable, protects students against low-quality colleges, and improves federal postsecondary data collection and reporting.

Report outlines specific recommendations for California policymakers to create an achievable debt-free pathway to a college degree or certificate for California residents.

18 organizations urge Senate HELP Committee leadership to reject a piecemeal approach to higher education reform and instead pass a comprehensive Higher Education Act reauthorization that makes major strides in increasing college affordability, reduces the burden of student debt, and closes racial and economic equity gaps in college access and attainment.

42 organizations urge Senator Lamar Alexander to include robust consumer protection of students and taxpayers in any reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.

63 organizations urge Senate appropriators to continue their support for the Pell Grant by keeping all Pell Grant funds in the Pell program.