Navient 2024 Overview: What to Know About Its Student Loan Transfer

On October 21st 2024, Navient will transfer its remaining student loans to MOHELA for servicing. This transition will not affect loan payments, interest rates, or repayment terms; only the servicer will change.

Borrowers should prepare for the changeover by staying informed. Look for emails from Navient and MOHELA about the upcoming transfer. Also, make sure that your contact and payment information are updated on the Navient website to ensure a seamless transition. 

What happens if Navient serviced my FFELP or private student loans?

FFELP and private student loans that are currently being serviced by Navient will automatically be transferred over to MOHELA sometime this fall. If you’re a Navient customer, you should have already received an email to inform you of this change. 

Your payments, repayment plan, and loan terms will not change during this transition; the only difference is the website or address you use to make your payments. A specific date of transfer hasn’t been set. You’ll receive an email from Navient approximately 15 days before the transfer begins to alert you of the effective date.

In the meantime, ensure all the information on the Navient website is current. Update your contact information and set your notification preferences to ensure you don’t miss any important communications. Once you receive a welcome email from your new loan servicer, you can create an account on the MOHELA website. 

What if I still have federal student loans serviced by Navient? 

Navient stopped servicing most federal student loans in 2021 after transferring them to Aidvantage. If you still have student loans serviced by Navient, they’re likely FFELP loans that were privately funded but backed by the federal government.

Navient will automatically transfer your FFELP loans to MOHELA for servicing in the fall of 2024. Your loan terms and federal benefits will remain unchanged; only the servicer will change. Additional information on the transfer process and what to expect can be found on the Navient and MOHELA websites. 

Who will service my Navient student loan now?

If your student loans are currently being serviced by Navient, they will soon be transferred to MOHELA for servicing. All Navient customers should have received an email alerting them of this change. 

If you’re unsure who your student loan servicer is, you can check that information through the Federal Student Aid website. All you need to do is log in to the studentaid.gov website then click “Who’s My Loan Servicer?” under “Loan Repayment” in the menu bar at the top. 

Can I still contact Navient customer service with questions?

Yes, until your loan is officially transferred to MOHELA,  you can still contact Navient with questions about your student loans. The two best ways to contact the Navient customer service department are by phone or online. 

Navient’s phone number is 888-272-5543. Hours of operation are Monday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern. To reach the company online, log in to your account on the Navient website, then send an email through the Help Center.

How do I contact my new loan servicer?

MOHELA customer service can be reached at 1-888-866-4352. The department is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Thursday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. 

What should I do if I have trouble with my new loan servicer?

If you run into issues with your new student loan servicer, the first step is to talk directly with the company in charge of your loans. (See MOHELA contact information above.) If that doesn’t work, your best option is to submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and/or the Federal Student Aid (FSA) Ombudsman Group of the U.S. Department of Education (ED).

The CFPB is a government agency that oversees financial products and services, including student loans. There are various ways to lodge a complaint with the CFPB, including:

• Submit a complaint online
• Call 1-855-411-2372 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday
• Mail a complaint to:

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

PO Box 27170 

Washington, DC 20038

Contact the FSA Ombudsman Group if you have federal student loans. To file a complaint, you can:

• Submit a complaint online through the FSA feedback center
• Call 1-800-433-3243 Monday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday/Wednesday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday/Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time. 
• Mail a complaint to: 

U.S. Department of Education FSA Ombudsman Group

P.O. Box 1854

Monticello, KY 42633

• Fax complaint details to 606-396-4821

Can I refinance or consolidate my Navient student loan? 

Yes, you can refinance or consolidate the student loans that Navient services, but you’ll need to check the best option before moving forward. 

Refinancing is when you take out a new loan to replace your already existing student loan. Refinancing primarily aims to secure better terms, such as a lower interest rate or longer repayment period. Refinancing is available through a wide range of student loan companies.

You can refinance either private student loans or FFELP loans. However, if your current loan terms are manageable or if you have federal protections on your FFELP loans, then you may not want to refinance just yet. Be sure to carefully weigh the pros and cons of refinancing before making a decision.

Loan consolidation is when you roll multiple loans into a single new loan. This is typically done to simplify repayment; instead of juggling several loans, you only have to manage one. It’s possible to consolidate federal student loans but private student loans can only be refinanced into another private student loan.

If you have multiple FFELP loans with Navient, you may be able to consolidate them through the Department of Education. However, you may not get better interest rates or lower monthly payments simply because you consolidate; be sure to check loan terms carefully before making any changes.