Student Debt Relief: Your Options
Behind on student loans or confused by repayment plans? Start with the free options, learn the difference between federal and private loans, and avoid student loan scams.
Federal vs. Private Student Loans
Federal loans
Made by the U.S. Department of Education (for example, Direct Loans). They come with federal repayment plans, deferment and forbearance options, and forgiveness programs. Find yours by logging in at StudentAid.gov.
Private loans
Made by banks, credit unions and online lenders. They don’t qualify for federal programs. Options depend on your lender and may include hardship plans, refinancing, or, for defaulted loans, a negotiated settlement.
Free Federal Options to Ask About
Income-based repayment
Plans that base your monthly payment on your income and family size. Federal repayment plans changed in 2025 and 2026, so check StudentAid.gov for the plans available now.
Deferment & forbearance
Temporary pauses or reductions for situations like unemployment or financial hardship. Interest may keep growing.
Consolidation
Combines federal loans into one Direct Consolidation Loan, which can open up other repayment options.
Forgiveness programs
Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other discharge programs for qualifying borrowers.
Getting out of default
Loan rehabilitation or consolidation can bring a defaulted federal loan back to good standing and stop collection.
Avoid Student Loan Scams
- Anyone promising immediate or guaranteed loan forgiveness.
- Pressure to pay before any work is done.
- Requests for your FSA ID password. The Department of Education says never to share it.
- Companies claiming a special connection to the Department of Education.
- Instructions to stop talking to your loan servicer.
Report student loan scams to the FTC and, in California, to the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
How We Can Help
Many of our clients have student loan debt alongside credit problems. In a free consultation, we can talk through how your student loans show up on your credit reports and point you to the official free resources at StudentAid.gov. Every federal repayment, consolidation, and forgiveness application is free to file on your own.
Talk to a Bakersfield Credit Specialist
Free consultation in English or Spanish. We will review your situation, explain your options, and tell you honestly if you can handle it on your own.
This page is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Maximum Score Builders is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. Results vary, and no specific outcome is guaranteed. Company names are trademarks of their respective owners and are used for identification only; Maximum Score Builders is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
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