If you went to DeVry University and took out student loans, you’ve probably heard about lawsuits, settlements, and forgiveness programs. For years, students have said the school misled them with inflated job placement claims and high tuition. In response, the government stepped in.
But the big question many ask today is: “Will my DeVry student loans be forgiven?”
The short answer: Yes — some former students already qualify for forgiveness and refunds under Borrower Defense to Repayment (BDR) and FTC settlements. But not everyone is included automatically. Let’s break it down step by step.
Why Is DeVry in the News for Student Loan Forgiveness?
DeVry was accused of misrepresenting job placement rates — advertising that 90% of graduates found jobs in their fields within six months. Federal investigations found that number was much lower.
Because of this, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Education (ED) decided that many students had been misled, making them eligible for loan discharges or refunds.
- In 2022, the Department of Education announced it would cancel $415 million in federal student loans, including loans for 1,800 DeVry borrowers.
- In 2025, updates show that forgiveness continues under Borrower Defense claims.
Who Qualifies for DeVry Student Loan Forgiveness?
You may qualify if:
- You attended DeVry University between 2008 and 2015, when the misleading job placement claims were made.
- You took out federal student loans (Stafford, PLUS, Direct Loans). Private loans are not included.
- You can prove that DeVry’s advertising or promises influenced your decision to enroll.
Even if you’re not part of the automatic discharge group, you can still apply through Borrower Defense to Repayment.
Check eligibility here: Federal Student Aid – Borrower Defense
What Is Borrower Defense to Repayment?
Borrower Defense is a program that lets students ask for federal loan cancellation if their school lied about things like job placement rates, salaries, or accreditation.
For DeVry students, this is the main path to forgiveness. You file a claim saying you were misled. If approved, your loans can be discharged, and you may even get refunds for payments already made.
- Apply here: Borrower Defense Application – StudentAid.gov
How Do I Know If My Loan Was Forgiven Already?
If you’re included in the automatic group, you should have:
- Received an email or letter from the Department of Education.
- Seen a $0 loan balance on your Federal Student Aid account.
- Possibly gotten a refund for payments already made.
Not sure?
Log in here: StudentAid.gov
What About the Class Action Against DeVry?
Yes, there have been lawsuits and class actions. But forgiveness mainly comes from government programs like Borrower Defense, not private settlements.
The class action suits can sometimes result in refunds, but if you want your federal loans forgiven, the Borrower Defense route is the most direct.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for DeVry Loan Forgiveness
- Gather Documents
- Enrollment papers, transcripts, or degree info.
- Copies of DeVry’s job placement ads or emails.
- Loan records from your Federal Student Aid account.
- Apply Online
- Go to Borrower Defense Application.
- Fill out the form with your details and why you believe you were misled.
- Wait for Review
- Processing can take several months to over a year.
- In the meantime, your loans may go into forbearance (paused payments).
- Get Results
- If approved: loans are discharged, payments refunded.
- If denied: you still owe your loans, but you may appeal.
Common Questions Student Ask
Will my DeVry student loans be forgiven?
If you attended during the years of misrepresentation and took federal loans, yes, you may qualify. Some forgiveness has already been granted automatically, while others need to apply.
How will I know if my student loan was forgiven?
You’ll see changes in your StudentAid.gov account, and you’ll receive an official email or letter.
What is the class action suit against DeVry?
It’s a legal action claiming DeVry misled students. While some refunds may result, your main chance at loan forgiveness is through Borrower Defense.
Who will qualify for student loan forgiveness from DeVry?
Borrowers who can show that DeVry’s false job placement claims influenced their enrollment and who took out federal student loans.
What If I Have Private Student Loans from DeVry?
Unfortunately, private loans are not covered under Borrower Defense or federal forgiveness. However:
- You may join class action lawsuits if eligible.
- You can negotiate with private lenders for settlements.
- Some states offer student borrower protection programs.
Timeline for Forgiveness
- 2022: First wave of DeVry discharges ($71.7M in loans forgiven).
- 2023–2025: More claims processed under Borrower Defense.
- 2025: Students still filing and winning discharges today.
Final Thoughts
DeVry student loan forgiveness is real, but it’s not automatic for everyone. The good news is that many borrowers qualify under Borrower Defense — and the Department of Education is actively approving claims.
If you think you were misled by DeVry’s job placement ads, it’s worth applying. At worst, your claim is denied and you stay where you are. At best, you could see your entire student loan balance wiped out.