Do Student Loans Expire? Statute of Limitations, Forgiveness Timelines, and Default Rules

Student loans can feel like they follow you forever—and in some cases, they actually do. Federal student loans don’t expire, and the government can continue collection efforts indefinitely.

Private student loans have different rules, including a statute of limitations that may eventually prevent lenders from suing you over unpaid debt. In some cases, you may be eligible for forgiveness or cancellation after 20 to 25 years. This guide breaks down when student loans go away (if ever), what rules apply to private versus federal debt, and what to expect if you default.

Table of Contents

1. Do student loans expire?
2. When federal student loans go away
3. When private student loans expire
4. Is there a statute of limitations on student loan debt?
5. What happens if you default on student loans?
6. How to avoid student loan default

Do student loans expire?

Student loans don’t expire automatically. But for private student loans, a statute of limitations can eventually make the debt uncollectible through the courts. This statute varies by state, typically ranging from three to six years.

Federal student loans never expire in this way. The U.S. Department of Education can continue collection efforts indefinitely unless your loans are forgiven, canceled, or discharged.

When federal student loans go away

Federal student loans don’t expire based on time alone, but they may be forgiven or discharged under specific circumstances.

Forgiveness options and timelines:

Plan	Loan type	Forgiveness timeline
SAVE	Undergraduate	20 years
SAVE	Graduate	25 years
IBR (before 7/1/2014)	All	25 years
IBR (after 7/1/2014)	All	20 years
PAYE	All	20 years
ICR	All	25 years
PSLF	Direct Loans	10 years (120 payments)
Teacher Loan Forgiveness	Federal loans	5 years (with eligible service)

You might also qualify for discharge if:

• You become totally and permanently disabled
• You file for bankruptcy and qualify for hardship discharge
• You were a victim of identity theft or school misconduct

When private student loans expire

Private student loans have set repayment terms, typically 10 to 25 years. If you repay your loan on schedule, it “expires” when the balance is paid off.

However, if you default, your lender may be limited by the statute of limitations. Once that period passes, lenders can’t sue you to collect, but the debt still exists and can remain on your credit report for up to seven years.

Unlike federal loans, private lenders don’t offer forgiveness or income-driven repayment options. If you’re struggling with payments, refinancing or negotiating a settlement may help.

Is there a statute of limitations on student loan debt?

Yes, but only for private student loans. The statute of limitations limits how long a lender can sue you over unpaid debt. It doesn’t erase your obligation to pay; it just restricts legal action.

Examples of statute lengths by state:

State	Statute of limitations
California	4 years
Florida	5 years
New York	6 years
Ohio	6 years
Texas	4 years

The clock usually starts at your last payment date or missed payment, depending on state law.

What happens if you default on student loans?

Default can lead to serious consequences.

Federal loans:

• Default starts after 270 days of missed payments
• Consequences include tax refund garnishment, loss of federal aid eligibility, withheld transcripts, and credit damage
• Collection efforts can continue indefinitely

Private loans:

• Lenders can sue you
• Consequences may include wage garnishment, property liens, and credit score damage

To recover from federal default, consider loan consolidation.

How to avoid student loan default

Student loans should only be taken with a clear understanding of repayment terms. If you’re unsure how you’ll repay, consider alternatives—working, saving, or attending community college. I’ve seen grandparents take out PLUS loans for grandchildren and face Social Security garnishment after nonpayment.

Federal loans rarely disappear unless forgiven or discharged and can follow borrowers for life. Borrow smart: Federal or private, loans are long-term commitments that can have a serious impact on your financial future if not handled carefully.

• Sign up for autopay to avoid missed payments and earn an interest discount
• Use income-driven repayment for federal loans if you need a lower monthly payment
• Request deferment or forbearance during short-term financial hardship
• Refinance private loans if you qualify for better rates
• Communicate with your loan servicer if you’re having trouble—early outreach can help you avoid default