Clarity is Confidence:
Building the Discussion and Resources around Student Debt
We are a statewide nonprofit organization committed to helping students minimize student loan debt and borrowers avoid unmanageable student loan debt.
DebtSmarts gives you strategies for keeping your college costs low and staying on top of your student loans.
(833)-589-0750 (Helpline)
/ (608)-980-9620 (Main Number)
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Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30 Central
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info@debtsmarts.org
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(833)-589-0750 (Helpline) / (608)-980-9620 (Main Number) | Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30 Central | info@debtsmarts.org |
First, Know This: You Are Not Alone!
Over 700,000 Wisconsinites hold student loan debt. These borrowers are facing the same questions you are:
✅ How do I lower my monthly payment?
✅ What happens if I miss a payment?
✅ Am I eligible for loan forgiveness?
✅ How do I get out of default and stop collections?
The good news is, there are solutions. Federal student loan programs include repayment plans based on your income, temporary relief through forbearance or deferment, and paths to forgiveness like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Even if your loans are in default, there are proven ways to get back on track.
The challenge? Navigating these options can feel like a full-time job. That’s where we come in..
Get Reliable, Straightforward Information
📞 Call the DebtSmarts Student Loan Helpline now at 833-589-0750.
📧 Prefer email? Reach out to us at info@debtsmarts.org
When you need help with your student loans, it’s critical to get trusted, accurate information. There’s a lot of noise out there — and unfortunately, many scams.
DebtSmarts.org is here to be your trusted partner. We keep up with the latest updates to federal student loan programs, repayment options, and forgiveness criteria. We’ll explain your options clearly, in plain language, so you can make informed decisions.
Don’t wait for things to get more stressful. Reach out today and take the first step toward relief.
Unlike trying to reach your loan servicer, you won’t stay on hold for hours when you call us. We’re available to answer your call with little to no wait time from Monday to Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.
Who We Help?
We help Wisconsinites before, during and after college. DebtSmarts has resources to minimize what you pay for college: scholarships, 529 tips, FAFSA help. If you’re in college, we help with budgets, understanding your financial aid offers and knowing what—and whether— to borrow. After school, DebtSmarts provides tips for finding loan repayment assistance, getting in the right student loan repayment plans, and qualifying for loan forgiveness.
Whether you’re just starting to think about college, you’re currently enrolled, or you’re juggling student loan payments with work or family responsibilities, DebtSmarts is here to help you navigate this confusing landscape.
Our resources are carefully reviewed and made available to all Wisconsin residents free of charge; this is not sponsored content.
Before College
FAFSACSS-ProfileEdvest 529Scholarships
During College
BudgetingInternshipsCollege ROIScholarships
Loan assistance plansEmployer loan helpFinancing grad schoolPSLF & Loan Forgiveness
After College
Focused Resources
DebtSmarts recognizes that students and borrowers face unique situations.
VETERANS
Education and training benefits for military-connected families. Considerations when accessing your GI Bill. How to contact your campus veteran liaison.
PUBLIC SERVICE WORKERS
Learn more about Public Service Loan Forgiveness for teachers and other public service professions.
PARENTS
9.4 million Americans in their 50s still have student loans, including those for their child's college education.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. All of our services are completely free. We’re here to help you understand your options—no fees, no hidden costs.
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No. We are not a lender or a debt settlement company. We provide unbiased guidance so you can make informed decisions about your student loans.
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We can help you:
Understand your loan type and status
Explore repayment options
Avoid costly mistakes
Navigate deadlines and program changes
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Anyone with student loans, including:
Recent graduates
Parent PLUS loan borrowers
Borrowers unsure about repayment options
Anyone feeling overwhelmed or confused
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📞 Call our helpline: 833-589-0750
📩 Email us: info@debtsmarts.org🕒 We’re available Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:40 PM (Central Time)
We’ll help you understand your next step.
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The DebtSmarts Student Loan Helpline connects borrowers with free, trusted guidance on repayment plans, forgiveness programs, and getting out of default.
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Anyone with student loans can call the helpline, especially borrowers feeling overwhelmed by payments, in default, or confused about forgiveness programs.
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No. The DebtSmarts helpline is completely free and confidential. We are here to help you understand your options, without fees or sales pitches.
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Yes! Our team can explain PSLF eligibility, application steps, and walk you through how you can ensure your employer and payments qualify.
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We’ll review your options to get out of default, such as loan rehabilitation or consolidation, and explain how to protect your credit and avoid collections.
Our Coalition Partners
The Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt works with our coalition partners to advance one common agenda: helping Wisconsin residents become student debt smart and financially stable. Coalition members receive no financial benefit from their work to advance our mission.
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