The SORT — June 19: Autopay Now Earns 1% Cut
Two quick updates for students and families: the federal government just made student loan repayment slightly cheaper, and Oregon had to write an emergency check to keep one of its universities open.
DOE Raises Student Loan Autopay Discount to 1% Starting July 1
The U.S. Department of Education announced Wednesday that federal student loan borrowers enrolled in autopay will receive a 1 percent interest rate reduction starting July 1, 2026 — up from the previous 0.25 percent discount. Borrowers already enrolled don't need to act; the cut applies automatically. New enrollees have until September 30, 2026 to sign up; the benefit runs through June 30, 2028. About 40 percent of borrowers in active repayment are currently on autopay, down from more than 80 percent before the pandemic.
Why it matters: If you or a parent carry federal student loans, signing up for autopay by Sept. 30 locks in a rate cut that could save hundreds to thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Oregon Releases $7.5M Emergency Funds to Keep Southern Oregon University Open
Oregon's Emergency Board voted Wednesday to release $7.5 million in state funds to Southern Oregon University, the first installment of a potential $15 million lifeline. SOU faces a projected deficit of more than $12 million — expected to grow to $17 million by 2030 — with enrollment down 8.6 percent since 2020. The university is weighing a restructuring plan that would cut or consolidate 13 academic units. A second $7.5 million disbursement could come this fall. Senate President Rob Wagner called the situation "a canary in a coal mine" for Oregon higher education broadly.
Why it matters: SOU is currently open, but students considering it should verify their intended major is in a continuing program and monitor the school's restructuring updates before committing.
Source: Jefferson Public Radio
Where do you stand?
Check your admission chances free →Know a family who'd find this useful? Send it their way.
Put this to work
See what college would actually cost you
Estimate the net price for your list and compare aid offers side by side — the sticker is the wrong number.
