Student loan borrowers in Minnesota who are anxiously awaiting the end of a three-year federal pause on payments will soon have a state ombudsperson to advocate on their behalf.
The creation of a student loan ombudsperson position within the Department of Commerce is the latest step taken by the Minnesota Legislature to protect borrowers. Lawmakers passed a "bill of rights" for borrowers in 2021 that, among many things, required student loan servicers operating here to be licensed by the Commerce Department and consider income-driven repayment plans before placing a borrower into default.
"Minnesota has some of the highest borrowing rates in the country for student loans, and so I think that this is desperately needed," Mike Dean, executive director of the community college student association LeadMN, said of the new advocate position. "I think this moves us as sort of a national leader when it comes to protecting the rights of student loan borrowers."
The ombudsperson role comes at a critical time, Dean said, noting the U.S. Supreme Court's impending decision on whether to strike down President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness plan. The federal pause on payments is scheduled to end this fall; student loan interest will begin accruing again on Sept. 1 and payments will be due in October.
"The concern that we have is once those payments resume, that will really have a negative impact on their checkbook and will potentially push many people into default," Dean said.
Minnesota bachelor's degree recipients carried an average of nearly $24,000 in debt in 2021, according to the state Office of Higher Education. Those who earned associate degrees that year had an average debt of about $15,000.
Commerce officials say the new advocate will help resolve disputes between borrowers and loan servicers, which they expect to become more common once payments resume.
Jacqueline Olson, the department's assistant commissioner of enforcement, said the ombudsperson — who hasn't yet been hired — will analyze and compile data about complaints they receive from borrowers. They also will work with borrowers to help them understand their rights and loan terms.