My school isn’t on the Borrower Defense Settlement list... what can I do?

I went to a school that took out Landmark student loans. It lost its accreditation and went out of business years ago. I’ve been paying on these loans for over two decades, but my school isn’t listed in the Borrower Defense Settlement. How can I get my school added to the list? I know other students from that time are in the same situation. Any advice?

Have you filed a borrower defense claim with the Department of Education yet?

Scout said:
Have you filed a borrower defense claim with the Department of Education yet?

Not yet. I’m not sure where to start or what to include.

Scout said:
Have you filed a borrower defense claim with the Department of Education yet?

Start with outlining how the school’s closure and loss of accreditation impacted you. Include anything that shows the school was misleading or fraudulent.

Do you know if other students from your school are in the same boat? Group claims can be more effective.

Skylar said:
Do you know if other students from your school are in the same boat? Group claims can be more effective.

I do know others who borrowed during the same time. We’ve talked about how unfair this situation is.

Skylar said:
Do you know if other students from your school are in the same boat? Group claims can be more effective.

You should organize with them. Multiple claims with consistent stories might push the Department to consider your school.

Have there been any class-action lawsuits or collective actions against the school in the past?

Merritt said:
Have there been any class-action lawsuits or collective actions against the school in the past?

I’m not sure. I haven’t seen anything, but I’ll look into it.

Merritt said:
Have there been any class-action lawsuits or collective actions against the school in the past?

Definitely check. If something like that exists, it could help strengthen your case for relief.

What’s the process like for filing a borrower defense claim? Is it hard to do?

Clove said:
What’s the process like for filing a borrower defense claim? Is it hard to do?

I haven’t started yet, but it seems like you need to explain your experience and provide evidence of misleading practices.

Clove said:
What’s the process like for filing a borrower defense claim? Is it hard to do?

That’s right. It’s not too complicated, but the more detailed your claim is, the better your chances.

If your school wasn’t big, do you think that’s why it’s not on the list? Maybe they didn’t get many claims yet.

Keegan said:
If your school wasn’t big, do you think that’s why it’s not on the list? Maybe they didn’t get many claims yet.

That’s possible. I think not enough people have spoken up about it yet.

Keegan said:
If your school wasn’t big, do you think that’s why it’s not on the list? Maybe they didn’t get many claims yet.

If that’s the case, getting others to file claims with you could make a big difference.