When a Senate megabill overhauls student loans, streamlining repayment into just two plans, stretching forgiveness to 30 years, capping Parent PLUS and grad borrowing, and tying federal aid to school performance, borrowers face a bunch of new risks. Simplified options can ease confusion, but longer payoff timelines and reduced protections may push students toward costlier private loans. Now is the moment to compare your plan options, model a 30-year budget, hunt for scholarships or grants, vet schools by outcome data, and stay abreast of legislative shifts. With the right strategy, you can turn policy uncertainty into a clear path forward.