Loan programs

After 1-year rise, proportion of 2005 borrowers who defaulted on loans in first year of repayment falls to 4.6 percent, a near-record low.

Education Department decision to kill off program aimed at reducing loan defaults troubles guarantors, lawmakers and even advocates for students.

"Preferred lender lists" have almost become synonymous with "scandal" in some people's minds, at least since New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo began his investigation earlier this year into whether colleges and universities let undisclosed relationships with the student loan industry affect how they chose the lenders to which they steered students.

State agency's plan to save borrowers money by paying half of default fee and requiring lenders to pick up the rest is quashed by U.S. Education Department.

Pa. student loan provider received at least $33 million through now-revoked loophole in federal law, and government is urged to recoup funds.

Congress's proposed change in how student loan defaults are measured would raise rates and most likely toughen scrutiny of for-profit colleges.

Lenders say federal budget numbers now show that the guaranteed loan program costs the government less than direct lending. Should that change the equation?

Student loan industry experts consider implications for future in the wake of massive cuts to federal subsidies.

After months of silence on student loans, Cuomo announces another settlement, unveils new code of conduct, and warns Congress not to dally on Higher Education Act reforms.

Federal program to draw students into "high need" teaching fields troubles college leaders because grants will turn to loans if students get off track.