Student loans: servicers, disputes, and what differs by loan type

Student debt is not one thing — federal loans serviced by companies like Nelnet, MOHELA, or Aidvantage follow different rules than private loans from banks or fintech lenders. Knowing which you have changes where you send disputes. Educational only, not legal advice.

Federal vs private

Federal loans are managed through Department of Education programs — income-driven repayment, PSLF, deferment, and ombudsman complaints are administrative paths. Private loans are contracts with lenders; when delinquent they may go to collectors where FDCPA validation and FCRA disputes can matter — similar to other consumer debt, case by case.

Common dispute themes

• Payments not applied correctly
• Wrong balance after forbearance or IDR recertification
• PSLF or forgiveness count errors (federal)
• Private loan balance after default and sale to a buyer

Bankruptcy discharge of student loans is limited under federal law and is a specialized legal question — not something to assume from an article.

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