Student Loan Plan Overhaul Increases Debt Burden | JQJO

President Trump's revised federal student loan repayment plan, effective July 1, 2026, extends repayment terms from 10 to 25 years for some borrowers. Experts warn this will increase total repayment costs significantly for many, adding tens of thousands of dollars to their debt. New borrowers will only have two repayment options: the modified Standard Plan and a new Republican plan. Existing borrowers retain access to other plans, but the changes are expected to leave many in debt longer.