While student loans provide many individuals entry to higher education that they may have not been able to access otherwise, the debt incurred can become a crushing burden.

In Oakland County, an estimated 172,000 residents owe roughly $6 billion in student loans and a program introduced last week by Oakland County aims to provide the tools to get relief. 

At a press conference on Monday, July 22, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners announced the Oakland County Student Debt Relief Initiative. Oakland County has partnered with Savi, a Washington D.C.-based company committed to solving the student debt crisis, to provide a year of free access to Savi’s services. Oakland County residents and employees can get one-on-one support, access to repayment and forgiveness programs.

Oakland County is committed to providing meaningful financial relief to our residents,” Coulter said. “This partnership with Savi will make a real difference in reducing the student debt burden and enhancing the economic well-being of our community .”

“The Oakland County Student Debt Relief Initiative represents a significant milestone as the first county-wide program of its kind in the United States, setting a precedent for other counties to follow,” Board of Commissioners Chair David T. Woodward said.

A public dashboard will be developed and made accessible on the county’s website to showcase the benefits and impact of the Oakland County Student Debt Relief Initiative for residents and employees.

To learn more about the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, follow along on Facebook and YouTube, or visit their website.

Follow along with Oakland County on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website for news and events year-round.