The Department of Education agreed to resume processing loan cancellations under two long‑standing income‑driven repayment plans after a settlement with the American Federation of Teachers, reopening relief for borrowers previously blocked from forgiveness. The move affects borrowers in ICR and PAYE programs and could speed debt relief for millions. Separately, a Georgetown Center report shows bachelor’s degrees still confer significant earnings premiums — median pay of $81,000 for workers 25–54 — but outcomes vary widely by major, complicating policy debates about higher education value and affordability.