On Wednesday, U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal will participate in a roundtable discussion with undergraduate and graduate students about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) campus. The discussion will also highlight UIC’s efforts to support student success as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) and recognize AAPI Heritage Month.

Last October, the Department announced a limited PSLF waiver opportunity, which temporarily waives certain program rules to better deliver on the PSLF promise to public service employees with federal student loans. To date, the Department has approved approximately $6.8 billion in discharges for more than 113,000 borrowers through the limited PSLF waiver, with an average discharge balance of close to $60,000 per borrower.

In Illinois, 4,100 borrowers have been approved for nearly $244 million in federal student loan forgiveness, with an average discharge balance of nearly $59,000 per borrower. While more than 4,100 borrowers in the state have been approved for loan forgiveness, many others have seen increases in their progress toward loan forgiveness through updated payment counts. 

Under Secretary Kvaal will also participate in a roundtable discussion with student representatives from UIC, University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and City Colleges of Chicago about student voting initiatives. Last month, the Department sent a letter to colleges reminding them of their critical role in supporting our nation’s democratic process and ensuring that all students have access to resources to engage in the electoral process.