AIR joined 44 other higher education associations this week in submitting comments on the Department of Education’s proposed changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The proposal would revise which nonprofit employers qualify for PSLF, a change that could affect millions of borrowers—including many who work in higher education.

Congress established PSLF in 2007 with bipartisan support, specifying that full-time employment at 501(c)(3) organizations, including colleges and universities, counts as public service. The associations’ letter notes that the proposed rule could introduce new uncertainty for borrowers and institutions by relying on a new standard that excludes certain employers.

The comments encourage the Department to work closely with higher education leaders and other stakeholders to ensure that any changes to PSLF remain clear, fair, and consistent with congressional intent—providing borrowers with confidence that their public service commitments will be recognized.