The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education has announced plans to form a Negotiated Rulemaking Committee, named the 'Student Loans and Affordability Committee.' This committee aims to draft proposed regulations for federal student aid programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. The decision follows two public hearings and a comment period during which feedback was sought on improving higher education regulations.
"The negotiated rulemaking process that we are announcing today will allow key stakeholders to help improve federal student aid programs, including the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, so they work for students, families, and taxpayers," said Acting Under Secretary James Bergeron. "We look forward to receiving nominations for negotiators as we begin this process to right size higher education."
The committee will focus on several issues:
- Refining the definitions of a qualifying employer for eligibility in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
- Revisiting family size, restructuring repayment plans, and other provisions from the July 10, 2023 rule establishing the Saving on a Valuable Education Plan, which has been enjoined.
Nominations for negotiators must be submitted by June 1, 2025. The Department plans to hold one session between June 30th and July 2nd before proposing final rules later this year. Additional committees addressing various topics are expected to be announced throughout this Administration.
According to Section 492 of the Higher Education Act, public involvement is required in developing proposed regulations before publishing rules implementing programs authorized under Title IV. After gathering advice from the public and stakeholders, negotiated rulemaking is conducted by the Secretary to develop proposed regulations.
On April 4th, it was announced that negotiated rulemaking would address topics such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other financial assistance programs. Two public hearings were held on April 29th and May 1st.
For more information about the negotiated rulemaking process for 2025-2026 or to nominate a negotiator, visit Negotiated Rulemaking for Higher Education 2025-2026 or email negregnominations@ed.gov.
