As federal scrutiny intensifies around student loan repayment, institutions of higher education are facing new expectations—and new risks. In May 2025, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) issued guidance urging colleges and universities to proactively provide repayment information to former students in an effort to prevent loan defaults. This signals a shift to an era of accountability, where institutions must take a more active role in managing their federal loan portfolios.
For many, this presents a challenge. For ScholarNet, it’s an opportunity to deliver added value—helping our customers navigate these new requirements with greater confidence. With Portfolio Navigator, what could be a burden becomes more manageable for institutions already using ScholarNet’s services.
A Purpose-Built Solution for a Growing Need
ScholarNet’s Portfolio Navigator was created to help institutions stay ahead of rising Cohort Default Rate (CDR) risks. Offered at no cost to ScholarNet customers, Portfolio Navigator provides real-time insight into federal repayment trends and equips financial aid teams with prioritized outreach plans to reduce delinquency and default rates.
It’s a solution focused on generating impact.
Why Now?
According to Mike Mutziger, Director of ScholarNet Sales, institutions currently using Portfolio Navigator are seeing alarmingly high delinquency rates. While official CDRs won’t be calculated until next year, early indicators are clear: the time to act is now.
In its May 2025 Dear Colleague Letter, ED estimated that almost 25% of the federal student loan portfolio was either in default or a late stage of delinquency. With only 38% of borrowers in repayment and current on their loans, ED has resumed collections and urged postsecondary institutions to proactively reach out to former students to help prevent defaults.
Portfolio Navigator equips institutions to meet these federal expectations—offering the tools to monitor loan portfolios, prioritize outreach, and reduce risk with precision and agility.
How It Works: Portfolio Navigator in Action
Portfolio Navigator is designed to give financial aid and student success teams a clear, actionable view of their federal loan portfolios.
Here’s what institutions can expect:
- Real-Time Repayment Insights
Access up-to-date data on borrower repayment trends to identify risk areas early. - Prioritized Outreach Plans
The tool helps institutions focus their efforts by flagging borrowers most at risk of delinquency or default. - Customizable Dashboards
Institutions can tailor their view to monitor specific borrower segments or performance indicators. - Compliance Support
Portfolio Navigator helps institutions align with federal guidance by making it easier to track and report on outreach efforts.
It’s like having a command center for your federal loan portfolio—built to help you act before problems escalate.
Director of ScholarNet Sales
More Than a Tool—A Commitment to Support
ScholarNet’s approach reflects Nelnet’s broader commitment to supporting student success and institutional resilience. While ScholarNet is known for its private loan processing solutions, our team’s deep understanding of federal loan challenges comes from decades of experience working in financial aid offices and directly supporting postsecondary institutions. That firsthand knowledge informs the design of Portfolio Navigator and ensures it meets the real-world needs of financial aid professionals.
Institutionally, Nelnet brings unmatched expertise to this space. As the largest and longest-standing federal student loan servicer, Nelnet has a unique vantage point into borrower behavior, regulatory trends, and the operational realities institutions face. That perspective informs everything we build—including tools like Portfolio Navigator that help institutions stay compliant, proactive, and student-focused.
Portfolio Navigator is a tangible example of how ScholarNet and Nelnet add value beyond their core offerings—helping institutions meet federal expectations and support their students’ financial futures.
What Institutions Are Saying
ScholarNet reps have received feedback from their campus contacts who are using Portfolio Navigator that this tool helps them see, at a glance, which borrowers are having difficulty with repayment. Other ScholarNet customers have shared that they appreciate having a free, simple tool to help them get started with targeted delinquency outreach.
Get Ahead of CDR Risk
Now is the ideal time for institutions to explore Portfolio Navigator. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your compliance posture or better support your students, Portfolio Navigator offers a proactive path forward.
To learn more or schedule a demo, contact your ScholarNet representative or join an upcoming webinar.
Join a Team That Serves Others
ScholarNet’s Portfolio Navigator is just one example of how our brands go beyond expectations to help institutions meet compliance requirements and support their borrowers—because it’s the right thing to do. At Nelnet, we believe in serving clients, their customers, our associates, and our communities.
If you’re passionate about service and want to be part of a team that leads with purpose, explore career opportunities at Nelnet. We’re always looking for people who care deeply about making a difference and want to join #LifeAtNelnet.
