In the News: DebtSmarts Provides Needed Insights
DebtSmarts is a trusted voice guiding Wisconsin's 700,000+ student loan borrowers.
Journalists and media outlets turn to us for expert insights, real-life stories, and actionable steps for borrowers.
Below, you’ll find highlights of our work featured in news stories, reports, and interviews—along with quick notes on how we contributed.
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We connect reporters with advocates, borrowers, and policy voices on deadline.
Welcome to DebtSmarts, where Wisconsin students, families, and borrowers get clear, trusted, and free guidance before, during, and after college.
Department of Education notifying student loan borrowers of repayment plan ending
March 30, 2026
A group focused on college affordability explains what the ending of the SAVE repayment plan means for borrowers. Then, two guests discuss how the rising amount of fat in cows’ milk is affecting cheesemaking. And, we learn about a new movie premiering at the Wisconsin Film Festival. The Trump administration is ending a Biden-era student loan repayment plan. The U.S. Department of Education is now notifying borrowers that they have 90 days to apply for a different repayment plan or be automatically enrolled in one. The Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt explains.
Advice for Student Loan Borrowers
Interview on The Larry Meiller Show
February 5, 2026
Tens of thousands of Wisconsinites are in default on paying back their student loans. The U.S. Department of Education recently said they could face garnishment of their wages. We talk to Carole Trone, executive director of the Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt, about loan borrowers’ options.
Ask Contact 6: Student Loans
DebtSmarts experts answer key borrower questions on FOX6 Milwaukee.
October 10, 2025
By Jenna Sachs
Some of the Many Questions Answered in this Session:
How to get loan forgiveness
What to do if you’ve lost track of your loans
Can loans be discharged for seniors or due to serious illness?
NEWS STORIES
6 Tips for Avoiding
Student Loan Default.
January 27, 2026
by Natalie Yahr / Wisconsin Watch
Wisconsinites owe $23.6 billion in student loans, and thousands of Wisconsin borrowers are in default. But Carole Trone, executive director of the Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt, doesn’t want those kinds of numbers to scare students away from college altogether.
UW-Madison is Changing Its
Financial Aid Process.
October 1, 2025
More than 130K Wisconsin borrowers
in SAVE student loan program will need a new plan.
December 23, 2025
Student loan borrowers are ‘confused and overwhelmed
Here’s what Wisconsinites should know.
January 27, 2026
By: Natalie Yahr (Wisconsin Watch) and Becky Jacobs (The Cap Times / Wisconsin Watch)
By Corrinne Hess
by Natalie Yahr / Wisconsin Watch
Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt
Offers Free Help as FAFSA opens
September 29, 2025
By: Shaina Nijhawan
Delay in student loan forgiveness
Impacts Milwaukee woman
September 25, 2025
Everything You Need to Know
About FAFSA Applications
October 01, 2025
By: Jenna Sachs and FOX6 News Digital Team
By: Alex Klaus
Republicans Cap Federal Student Loans
for Graduate Students
July 9, 2025
By: Charlotte Scott, Spectrum News 1, Washington, DC
Student Loan Scammers Take Advantage
as Collections Restart Nationwide
June 29, 2025
By: KFIZ News Talk Radio
Borrowers Feel Overwhelmed by Restart
and Unsure of Next Steps to Take
June 23, 2025
By: Royce Podeszwa – Wisconsin Public Radio
Borrowers Urged to Check Their Loans
and Consider Income-Driven Plans
June 5, 2025
By: Clara Strecker - The Daily Cardinal
Federal Government Resumes Collection
for Defaulted Student Loan Borrowers
May 5, 2025
By: Andrew Mertins - FOX11 News
Confusing Loan Changes Could Increase
Risk of Unintentional Default
April 23, 2025
By: Maddie Heimsch - Channel 3000 News
Policy Shifts & Forgiveness Debates
Create Confusion for Loan Borrowers
March 25, 2025
By: Richelle Wilson, Producer and Rob Ferrett, Host
Wisconsin Educators React to the
Elimination of the U.S. Education Dept.
March 20, 2025
By: Cody Taylor Wisconsin
Trump Order on Student Loan Forgiveness
Sparks Confusion
March 12, 2025
By: Erin McGroarty
Video Interviews & Explainers
Learn more about student loan forgiveness, repayment options, and updates affecting Wisconsin borrowers through our video features.
With Ascendium’s Hannah Achtor — new rules and key steps explained.
Covers current proposals, political context, and borrower impact.
What public service workers need to know to get forgiveness.
Outlines loan struggles and relief options unique to veterans.
How debt burdens fall harder on Black and Brown borrowers.
Supreme Court ruling, IDR updates, and default relief explained.
Shifting Student Loan Landscape Amid Rising Tuition Costs
WISC-TV News 3 For the Record with host Will Kinneally
July 27, 2025
Student Loan Interest restarting for 8 million borrowers
News 3 Now Live at Four with Sarah Carlson and Billy Westor
July 14, 2025
PODCAST INTERVIEWS
Episode 13: Interview with Benjamin Lee--Student Loan Expert
The Financial Findings Podcast: Where Financial Research, Policy, and Practice Meet
Episode 14: Interview with Dr. Carole Trone--What to Know About Paying for College
The Financial Findings Podcast: Where Financial Research, Policy, and Practice Meet