My Student Loan Servicer Changed Without My Knowledge: What You Should Know in Case It Happens to You
Loan Servicer Transfer: Many borrowers, including the author, have experienced unexpected transfers of their federal student loans from Nelnet to a new servicer, Central Research, Inc. (CRI), without prior notice, leading to confusion and concerns about loan status and payments.
Administrative Forbearance: During the transfer process, loans are often placed in an administrative forbearance, which can last up to 60 days, allowing borrowers to avoid delinquency but still accruing interest. Borrowers are advised to keep detailed records of their loan information to spot any discrepancies.
Payment Recommendations: Experts suggest that borrowers should refrain from making payments during the transfer to avoid potential issues, as payments may get lost in the transition. Instead, they should set aside the payment amount until the new servicer is fully operational.
Verification of Information: After the transfer, borrowers should verify that their new servicer has accurate information regarding their loan details, including payment amounts and interest rates, and re-enroll in automatic payments if applicable.
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- Surge in Complaints: The CFPB report indicates that federal student loan complaints reached 18,400 for the year ending June 30, 2025, marking a 36% increase from the previous year and highlighting the growing challenges borrowers face, which could undermine trust in government student loan policies.
- Missing Report Details: Although the CFPB published a 21-page report, it omitted critical information regarding the nature of borrower complaints and the loan servicers involved, potentially leading to a lack of public understanding of student loan issues and affecting policy transparency and effectiveness.
- Borrower Hardships Intensify: Approximately 9 million individuals are currently in default on their education debt, with over 800,000 borrowers awaiting decisions on applications for affordable repayment plans, indicating significant pressure and uncertainty for borrowers under the Trump administration.
- Lack of Policy Recommendations: The CFPB's report fails to include recommendations for student loan cancellation and solutions, with experts noting that this omission could hinder defaulting borrowers from receiving necessary assistance, exacerbating the crisis in the student loan market.
- Current Backlog Status: As of November, over 80,210 applicants are waiting in the backlog for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) buyback applications, an increase from 74,510 in August, indicating the Department of Education's processing capacity is insufficient, which negatively impacts borrowers' financial planning and psychological expectations.
- Policy Background Analysis: Since its implementation in 2007, the PSLF program aims to provide loan forgiveness to borrowers working for certain non-profits or government entities, but delays affecting over 83,000 borrowers during the Trump administration have hindered their debt repayment progress.
- Borrower Reactions: Many borrowers feel discouraged by the long wait times, with some expressing skepticism about the approval of their applications, highlighting the need for improved transparency and efficiency from the Department of Education, which may lead to concerns about their future financial situations.
- Future Outlook: Despite the backlog, experts still recommend that eligible borrowers continue to apply for PSLF buyback, emphasizing the importance of making loan payments during the wait to avoid losing forgiveness eligibility due to plan changes, ensuring borrowers can successfully achieve debt relief.
- Dividend Declaration: Nelnet's Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.33 per share on its Class A and Class B common stock, to be paid on March 13, 2026, reflecting the company's commitment to shareholder returns.
- Record Date for Shareholders: The record date for shareholders to qualify for the dividend is set for February 27, 2026, ensuring that investors holding shares by this date will receive the payout, which enhances confidence in the company's stability.
- Earnings Release Schedule: Nelnet also announced it will release its fourth quarter and full-year earnings for 2025 after the close of the New York Stock Exchange on February 26, 2026, which is expected to provide further insights into the company's financial performance and may influence market expectations.
- Investor Information Access: Following the earnings release, investors can access additional financial information through the company's website, further enhancing transparency and communication with investors, thereby bolstering the company's image in the capital markets.
- Leadership Change: Nelnet CEO Tim Tewes will retire in June 2026 after over 25 years of service, marking a significant transition in the company's leadership.
- Strategic Contributions: Since joining Nelnet in 2005, Tewes has driven growth and diversification through acquisitions and product expansion, particularly establishing market leadership in education payment solutions.
- Business Milestone: Under Tewes' leadership, Nelnet successfully launched Nelnet Bank, a key milestone that solidified the company's position in consumer lending and enhanced its market presence.
- Ongoing Influence: Although Tewes will retire, he will continue to serve on the Nelnet Bank Board of Directors, ensuring his ongoing influence in the company's future development.
- Leadership Transition: Nelnet CEO Tim Tewes has announced his retirement in June, concluding over 25 years of service, marking a significant leadership change for the company.
- Strategic Contributions: Since joining Nelnet in 2005, Tewes has played a pivotal role in driving the company's growth and diversification, particularly establishing market leadership in education payment solutions.
- Product Expansion: Under Tewes' leadership, Nelnet successfully launched Nelnet Bank, a significant milestone in consumer lending that further enhances the company's competitive position in the market.
- Ongoing Influence: Although Tewes will retire, he will continue to serve on the board of Nelnet Bank, ensuring his lasting influence on the company's future development.
- Historical Importance of Dividends: Dividends have played a crucial role in the stock market's total return over the past century.
- Changing Dynamics: The significance of dividends in contributing to total returns has diminished in recent times.









