An overhaul of the federal student loan system proposed by House Republicans could push monthly student loan payments up by nearly $200 on average

The Trump administration is gearing up for large changes to the Department of Education, which oversees a $1.6 trillion portfolio of student loans.

President Donald Trump has reportedly set his sights on eliminating the U.S. Department of Education, a long-time Republican goal and promise from his campaign. The proposed plan, though, gives rise to a host of unanswered questions—not least of which is what happens to the 42-plus million Americans with federal student loan debt.

The Trump administration has promised to eliminate the Department of Education, shifting more responsibility back to the states. States already have significant control over education — particularly when it comes to setting standards and deciding on curriculum, but eliminating the department would have major repercussions for college students.