US student debt repayment plans steeped in uncertainty

Significant options for American borrowers managing repayment of federal student loans are in limbo following a court decision that led the U.S. Department of Education to pause activity on all income-driven repayment plans.

In these plans, a borrower's monthly payment is keyed to their income, regardless of the size of their debt. The plans especially are helpful to those whose debt is disproportionate to their incomes — such is the case for many veterinarians.

To better understand the latest developments, the VIN News Service talked with Tony Bartels, a veterinarian and the debt education director for VIN and its charitable counterpart, the VIN Foundation.

The article on which this episode is based was published on March 6, 2025.

Show notes:

• Blog post: All IDR applications for student loans are paused — now what?
• VIN Foundation Student Debt Center