Data / Federal rules / 2025-19729
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program
The Education Department published this final rule in the Federal Register on October 31, 2025. It took effect on July 1, 2026.
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What the agency says
The Secretary establishes new regulations on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) program under 34 CFR 685.219 by adding or clarifying provisions to exclude employers that engage in specific enumerated illegal activities such that they have a substantial illegal purpose, including defining obligations and processes tied to making such a determination of an employer, clarifying that borrowers will receive full credit for work performed, until the effective date of the Secretary's determination that an employer is no longer a qualifying employer under the rule; and establishing methods for an employer to regain eligibility following a determination of ineligibility by the Secretary. These regulations ensure that taxpayer dollars are not misused by preventing PSLF benefits from going to individuals employed by organizations that have a substantial illegal purpose. The revisions strengthen accountability, enhance program integrity, and protect hardworking taxpayers from shouldering the cost of improper subsidies granted to employees of organizations that undermine national security and American values through criminal activity.
Key facts
- Document number
- 2025-19729
- Type
- Final rule
- Action
- Final regulations
- Agency
- Education Department
- Published
- October 31, 2025
- Takes effect
- July 1, 2026
- Dates
- These regulations are effective July 1, 2026. For the implementation dates of the regulatory provisions, see the Implementation Date of These Regulations in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
- Docket
- Docket ID ED-2025-OPE-0016
- Regulation ID (RIN)
- 1840-AA28
- Code of Federal Regulations
- 34 CFR 685
- Topics
- Administrative practice and procedure; Colleges and universities; Education; Loan programs-education; Reporting and recordkeeping requirements; Student aid; Vocational education
- Pages
- 37
Other documents from the Education Department
Everything from the Education Department · Rules on administrative practice and procedure · Rules on colleges and universities · Rules on education · Published in October 2025
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