Article updated on Sep 27, 2024
The Fresh Start Program can move your loans out of default and help you qualify for forgiveness options -- but you have to apply by Sep. 30.
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Written by Rebecca Safier is a personal finance writer and certified student loan counselor who specializes in student debt, personal loans, and budgeting. Previously a senior writer for LendingTree and Student Loan Hero, Rebecca's work has been published in NextAdvisor with TIME, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes Advisor, MarketWatch, and other publications. She has also contributed expert commentary to Fortune, Entrepreneur, NBC, and more. When she's not writing about all things personal finance, Rebecca is teaching people how to blog on her website Remote Bliss, traveling to new places, or taking her Boston terrier to the beach.
Edited by Courtney Johnston Senior Editor Courtney Johnston is a senior editor leading the CNET Money team. Passionate about financial literacy and inclusion, she has a decade of experience as a freelance journalist covering policy, financial news, real estate and investing. A New Jersey native, she graduated with an M.A. in English Literature and Professional Writing from the University of Indianapolis, where she also worked as a graduate writing instructor.
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid.
Reviews ethics statementOur Experts
Written by Rebecca Safier is a personal finance writer and certified student loan counselor who specializes in student debt, personal loans, and budgeting. Previously a senior writer for LendingTree and Student Loan Hero, Rebecca's work has been published in NextAdvisor with TIME, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes Advisor, MarketWatch, and other publications. She has also contributed expert commentary to Fortune, Entrepreneur, NBC, and more. When she's not writing about all things personal finance, Rebecca is teaching people how to blog on her website Remote Bliss, traveling to new places, or taking her Boston terrier to the beach.
Edited by Courtney Johnston Senior Editor Courtney Johnston is a senior editor leading the CNET Money team. Passionate about financial literacy and inclusion, she has a decade of experience as a freelance journalist covering policy, financial news, real estate and investing. A New Jersey native, she graduated with an M.A. in English Literature and Professional Writing from the University of Indianapolis, where she also worked as a graduate writing instructor.
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid.
Reviews ethics statementWhy You Can Trust CNET Money
Table of Contents
- What is the Fresh Start Program?
- Can Fresh Start help me get student loan forgiveness?
- How can I tell if my loans are in default?
- Do all loans qualify for the Fresh Start Program?
- How to sign up for the Fresh Start program
- What happens if I miss the Fresh Start deadline?
Viva Tung/CNET; Getty Images
Written by
Rebecca Safier
Rebecca Safier is a personal finance writer and certified student loan counselor who specializes in student debt, personal loans, and budgeting. Previously a senior writer for LendingTree and Student Loan Hero, Rebecca's work has been published in NextAdvisor with TIME, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes Advisor, MarketWatch, and other publications. She has also contributed expert commentary to Fortune, Entrepreneur, NBC, and more. When she's not writing about all things personal finance, Rebecca is teaching people how to blog on her website Remote Bliss, traveling to new places, or taking her Boston terrier to the beach.