Nelnet Loan Forgiveness: What to Know Now

Nelnet Student Loan Forgiveness: What You Need to Know About Your Student Loan Servicer

Student loans can be tricky. If you have federal loans, you might have heard of Nelnet. They’re one of the companies that help manage student loans for the U.S. government.

Nelnet works with borrowers on repayment, deferment, student loan forgiveness, and more. Let’s break down what they do, how they can help you, the challenges of working with them, and the other options you have.

What Services Does Nelnet Student Loan Provide?

Nelnet is a loan servicer. That means they help oversee student loans for the Department of Education. Their job is to help you make payments and understand your loan choices. Here’s what they offer:

• Billing and Payments: They send you monthly statements and handle your payments.
• Repayment Plans: They process applications for a plan that fits your income.
• Student Loan Forgiveness: They advise on forgiveness opinions, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Deferment and Forbearance: They help you pause payments if you qualify.

Nelnet Student Loan by the Numbers

Of the five currently-contracted loan servicers, Nelnet services the largest amount of student debt:

• Number of Borrowers: Millions of students and former students.
• Total Loan Balance Managed: Over $400 billion in federal student loans.

While these numbers highlight Nelnet’s prevalence in the student loan industry, customer satisfaction is consistently dropping. In the last three years, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has received over 10,000 complaints about the servicer.

Pros and Cons of Working with Nelnet Student Loan

Pros:

• Multiple repayment plan options to fit different needs.
• Offers deferment and forbearance when you’re in a tough spot.
• Online account tools to manage your loans easily.

Cons:

• Long customer service wait times can be frustrating for borrowers looking for immediate help in an industry that is experiencing rapid change.
• Billing mistakes or miscommunications sometimes happen. In fact, Massachusetts’ Attorney General announced a $1.8 million settlement with Nelnet in 2024 after allegations that the company failed to communicate with borrowers about renewing the IDR plans.
• Delays in forgiveness processing, which can stress borrowers out.
• No direct refinancing options or consolidation assistance, just advice. Borrowers are instructed to submit an application online.
• Some policies can be confusing, and many borrowers have complaints about the lack of clarity.

It’s important to know both sides so you can make the right choice for your loans.

How to Contact Nelnet

Need help with your loans? You can contact Nelnet here:

• Website: nelnet.studentaid.gov
• Phone: 1-888-486-4722
• Email: Nelnet does not provide a customer service email, but borrowers may be able to chat with an agent after logging into their online account.

Do You Have to Stay With Nelnet?

The Department of Education doesn’t allow students to choose their servicer upon entering repayment. But if you’re having second thoughts, you may have a few options:

1. Loan consolidation: Consolidating your loans allows you to select which servicer takes over, but borrowers who have already consolidated won’t have this option available.
2. Loan refinancing: You may be able to save money on interest by refinancing with a private lender, but you will lose out on many benefits the DoE offers, such as IDR plans and loan forgiveness.
3. Ask for help: Submitting a complaint to the Student Loan Ombudsman or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau could result in Nelnet finding a faster resolution to your issue. If that doesn’t do the trick, hiring a third party like Docupop can help you manage the complexities of loan repayment without the hassle of dealing exclusively with your servicer.

Another Option: Docupop’s Student Loan Support

Although Nelnet is a loan servicer, borrowers have alternative ways to manage their student debt. Docupop offers expert guidance and personalized support to help borrowers navigate student loan consolidation. Our knowledgeable coaches assess your current loans, explore consolidation opportunities, and develop a customized plan that fits your financial needs. We aim to streamline the process, identify the most beneficial plan for you, and enhance your financial well-being. If you’re uncertain about your next steps, Docupop provides expert assistance to help you take charge of your student loans. With dedicated service and no long wait times, our team is with you every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

Nelnet student loan is a big name in student loan servicing. They offer many helpful services, but they also get their fair share of complaints. If you’re working with Nelnet, it’s important to understand your options like deferment, loan forgiveness, or loan consolidation.

If you want more personal support, Docupop is a great choice. Our team can help you understand your loans and figure out the best next step.

Need expert guidance? At Docupop, we specialize in helping borrowers navigate student loan repayment—so you don’t have to do it alone. Contact us today for personalized help. Let’s make your student loans easier to manage.

Don’t wait—take control of your student loans now!