The Department of Education confirmed it is still exploring proposals to privatize portions of the federal student‑loan portfolio, acknowledging meetings with stakeholders about selling more than $1 trillion in loans. The department told Senator Elizabeth Warren it has not made final decisions but that conversations continue. Officials said proposals considered could reshape loan servicing, borrower protections, and the federal government’s role in student finance. The idea has deep implications for universities’ tuition models, default management, and financial‑aid counseling programs. Higher‑education leaders and policy analysts warned privatization could reduce federal oversight and alter loan terms for borrowers, complicating campus advising and potentially increasing collection activity. The confirmation keeps a major financing question on campus leaders’ radar as institutions plan budgets and student‑success interventions.