A new study finds an increasing number of distressed student‑loan borrowers are successfully shedding debt through simplified bankruptcy processes, suggesting previously prohibitive legal barriers may be shifting. Researchers report borrowers using more accessible procedures are obtaining debt relief at higher rates. The finding matters for university administrations, financial‑aid offices and alumni relations: rising bankruptcy discharges could affect default statistics, repayment outreach and institutional scholarship strategies. Legal clinics at law schools and campus financial‑counseling centers may see increased demand to advise students and alumni on bankruptcy options.