By now you have probably heard that the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid has resumed collections on defaulted federal student loans. As part of these renewed collection efforts, the Department of Education has asked all colleges and universities to remind student loan borrowers of their obligations and payment options.
- Reminder to Repay Student Loans: If you borrowed student loans, you are obligated to repay the debt. It is important to repay the debt to avoid any negative consequences, such as being placed in collections, having your wages or other payments garnished, or seeing your credit score decline. Unless your loans are in a deferment or forbearance status, you are obligated to make payments.
- Review Your Payment Options: You may have some options available to you when it comes to repaying your student loan debt. Plans are available that will allow you to repay your debt based on your income. Review information on StudentAid.gov to find repayment options and to access a Loan Simulator tool.
- Log Into Your Account at StudentAid.gov: Make sure that your contact information is accurate and determine the status of your student loans. Your account will also have the name and contact information of your student loan servicer. Contact your loan servicer if you have any questions or need to switch repayment plans.
If you have questions for Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, please reach out to Cardinal Central or Student Central.
Schools of Graduate & Professional Programs
OFFICE: 612-238-4566
studentcentral@smumn.edu
Winona Undergraduate College
OFFICE: 507-457-6655
cardinalcentral@smumn.edu
We also want to remind you to Beware of Scams. You might be contacted by a company saying they will help you get loan discharge, forgiveness, cancellation, or debt relief for a fee. You should never have to pay for help with your federal student aid. Make sure you work only with the U.S. Department of Education and official federal student loan servicers and never reveal your personal information or account password to anyone. For more information about avoiding student aid scams, visit studentaid.gov/resources/scams.
