House Republicans' "big, beautiful bill" doubles down on President Trump's education agenda, including raising taxes on university endowments and overhauling the student loan program, even as colleges are already feeling a funding pinch and borrower defaults are on the rise.

Advocates are hoping to seize on the opportunity to have the legislation reformed in the Senate, where GOP moderates and conservatives are calling for significant — and sometimes contradictory — changes.

Education experts warn that in its current form the package, which also boosts student vouchers and gives a tax break to religious colleges, will financially cripple student loan borrowers and universities alike.

“The major takeaway is that this bill is going to make paying for college and paying off student loans more expensive and more risky for millions of students and working families with student debt,” said Aissa Canchola Bañez, policy director for Student Borrower Protection Center.

Student loan borrowers have faced a whirlwind in policy shifts between former President Biden and President Trump, but the current budget reconciliation bill would be an earthquake to the 45 million Americans with student debt. It would reshape repayment options, only offering one income-driven repayment plan or a standard repayment plan; all other options would be........

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