Many students take on student loans hoping for a better future. In the case of one recent graduate, that decision turned into a six-figure debt nightmare. After borrowing $120,000 to complete her degree, she is now voicing the regret that so many borrowers feel after graduation: “Now I realize what I’ve gotten myself into.”
Her story has struck a nerve on the Reddit platform, where other borrowers are discussing the increasing complications surrounding income-driven repayment (IDR) plans, paused forgiveness programs, and the changing rules of the game.
Is $120,000 in student loan debt common?
Surprisingly, yes. Although the average student loan debt in the U.S. is around $37,000, a large number of borrowers—especially those pursuing graduate or professional school—owe $100,000 or more. Careers like law, medicine, and even social work often come with advanced degrees, but the compensation doesn’t always keep up with the cost of education.
In this borrower’s case, the initial assumption was that a secure job and accessibility of IDR plans like SAVE or PAYE would ease the burden. But she entered a disorderly system in which even veteran borrowers struggle to understand the regulations.
What is happening with IDR plans like SAVE and PAYE?
As of the start of 2025, IDR plans are in limbo due to ongoing court injunctions. An earlier injunction prohibited the Department of Education (ED) from implementing significant aspects of the regulatory package related to the SAVE plan. Unfortunately, the ban applies to other IDR options like IBR, PAYE, and ICR—plans numerous borrowers rely on in order to make affordable monthly payments.
This leaves borrowers like herself, who is waiting eagerly to enter an IDR plan on graduation day, in the lurch now. Applications are suspended, forgiveness tracking is suspended, and servicers can not even accept paper applications.
How does the IDR freeze impact loan forgiveness?
The freeze has put a spotlight on just how fragile loan forgiveness programs are. For borrowers in Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or relying on 20- or 25-year forgiveness under IDR, delays can mean months—or years—without progress toward forgiveness.
This has become a major concern for borrowers who believed their payments would count toward eventual cancellation. Now, with the future of IDR in court and Congress debating whether to cut SAVE altogether, forgiveness is no longer a guarantee.
Are there alternatives for borrowers right now?
Unfortunately, options are limited. Borrowers cannot enroll in IDR plans at the moment unless they were already on one before the pause. For those trying to avoid delinquency, the best option may be forbearance, graduated repayment, or extended repayment plans. None of these are ideal, but they can buy time while waiting for further updates from the ED.
The Department of Education is expected to extend recertification deadlines and may issue retroactive relief. However, nothing is certain. Meanwhile, interest may continue to accrue, especially for those not protected by paused processing.
What can students learn from her regret?
Her story is a stark reminder of the risks of student debt. While education is often promoted as the path to success, the cost of financing that dream can linger for decades. The borrower admits she did not fully understand the loan terms, the realities of repayment, or how complicated federal forgiveness programs would become.
Her post-graduation realization reflects a growing concern among borrowers: You do not truly feel the weight of student loans until the grace period ends and the bills start arriving. And with the current uncertainty around IDR plans, many fear there may be no relief in sight.
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