A federal judge has vacated the regulatory rule underpinning the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) income-driven repayment program, effectively ending the Biden-era plan’s protections for millions of federal student-loan borrowers. The ruling follows a long-running legal challenge initially pressed by Republican attorneys general and left borrowers and servicers with little clarity about next steps. The court action removes a principal Department of Education repayment pathway that had promised lower monthly payments and accelerated forgiveness for many low-income borrowers. Loan servicers, university financial-aid offices, and campus enrollment teams are likely to face renewed operational strain as counselors and students seek guidance on outstanding balances and repayment options. The decision also raises political stakes: policymakers and campus financial-aid officials now expect Congressional and administrative maneuvering over replacement rules or transitional guidance. Institutions that tied recruiting and retention messaging to expanded repayment options may need rapid outreach to affected students.