Introduction:

ITT Technical Institute (ITT Tech) was a for-profit educational institution that closed its doors in 2016, leaving many students burdened with student loans and uncertain futures. However, there are avenues for obtaining loan forgiveness for those who attended ITT Tech. In this blog post, we will delve into the topic of ITT Tech loan forgiveness, exploring the various options available and the eligibility requirements.

The Closure of ITT Tech:

ITT Tech’s closure resulted from allegations of misconduct and deceptive practices. The U.S. Department of Education approved the cancellation of ITT Tech’s participation in federal student aid programs, leaving thousands of students with loans and unfinished degrees. Recognizing the hardship this created, the federal government introduced certain loan forgiveness programs tailored specifically for ITT Tech students.

Closed School Discharge:

One option for ITT Tech students seeking loan forgiveness is the Closed School Discharge program. If you were enrolled at ITT Tech at the time of its closure or withdrew within 120 days of the closure date, you may be eligible to have your federal student loans discharged. This discharge relieves you from the obligation to repay the loans and may entitle you to a refund of any payments already made.

Eligibility for Closed School Discharge:

To qualify for Closed School Discharge, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, including being enrolled at ITT Tech when it closed or having withdrawn within the specified timeframe. Additionally, you cannot have completed your program of study at ITT Tech through a teach-out, transfer credits to a similar program at another institution, or choose to complete your coursework later through certain other means.

Federal Discharge Application Process:

To apply for Closed School Discharge, you will need to complete the Federal Discharge Application provided by your loan servicer. The application requires detailed information about your ITT Tech enrollment and other supporting documentation to establish your eligibility. It is essential to carefully follow the instructions provided and submit all required documents to increase the likelihood of a successful loan discharge.

Private Student Loan Forgiveness Options:

It is important to note that the Closed School Discharge program applies to federal student loans only. If you have private student loans obtained through ITT Tech, loan forgiveness options may vary. Private lenders may have different loan forgiveness or loan modification programs available. Contact your private loan servicer to discuss possible options for relief, such as loan discharge or alternative repayment arrangements.

Defense to Repayment:

Another potential avenue for ITT Tech loan forgiveness is the Defense to Repayment (DTR) program. Under the DTR provision, you can seek loan forgiveness if you can demonstrate that ITT Tech misrepresented information, violated state laws related to your loans or educational services, or engaged in other forms of misconduct. This avenue applies to both federal and private student loans.

Borrower’s Defense to Repayment Application Process:

Applying for loan forgiveness through the Borrower’s Defense to Repayment program requires submitting an application to the U.S. Department of Education. The application involves providing detailed information about the misconduct or misrepresentation that the institution engaged in and how it specifically affected you. Support your claim with documentation, such as ITT Tech promotional materials or personal records that validate your assertions.

Recent Developments: New Borrower Defense Regulations:

It is crucial to stay informed about recent developments concerning the Borrower’s Defense program as there have been updates to its regulations. The revised regulations, implemented in July 2020, make it easier for defrauded students to obtain loan forgiveness. The changes expand the circumstances under which students can assert claims and streamline the application process. Stay updated on these changes to ensure you understand the requirements and submit a strong application if applicable.

Conclusion:

ITT Tech loan forgiveness provides a glimmer of hope for students burdened with student loan debt due to the institution’s closure. The Closed School Discharge program offers relief for federal loans, allowing eligible students to have their loans discharged and potentially receive refunds. The Borrower’s Defense to Repayment program provides an avenue for both federal and private loan forgiveness, requiring evidence of misconduct or misrepresentation. It is essential to review eligibility requirements, understand the application processes for each program, and gather supporting documentation to increase your chances of obtaining loan forgiveness. Be proactive in exploring these options, seeking assistance if needed, and reclaiming your financial freedom.