Currently, in bankruptcy, student loans are only eligible to be discharged under the most extreme of circumstances. Even when a person is eligible to file for bankruptcy the discharge or student loans is often considered impossible.
Meanwhile, if an individual has debt due to irresponsible use of credit cards, and they get in financial trouble, they can potentially have all of those debts discharged and get a fresh start.
Private student loans offer none of the payback flexibility of federal loans. Too many borrowers are stuck with large monthly payments, high interest rates, and an education they can not use. Does it make sense that someone who is trying to do the right thing, be responsible, and get an education does not have the same chance at a fresh start?