Technically yes, but it's historically been extremely difficult. Student loans are not automatically discharged in bankruptcy like credit card debt or medical bills. You have to file a separate legal action called an "adversary proceeding" within your bankruptcy case and prove that repaying the loans would cause you "undue hardship."
The Brunner Test: Most courts have used the Brunner Test (from a 1987 case) to determine undue hardship. You must prove all three elements: you cannot maintain a minimal standard of living for yourself and your dependents if forced to repay, your circumstances are likely to persist for a significant portion of the repayment period, and you've made good-faith efforts to repay the loans.
This standard has been notoriously harsh. Courts have denied discharge to people with serious disabilities, chronic illnesses, and poverty-level incomes. The "good faith" requirement has been interpreted to mean you tried income-driven repayment plans before turning to bankruptcy.
Recent changes (and this is important): In November 2022, the Department of Justice issued new guidance that significantly changed how the government approaches student loan discharge in bankruptcy. The DOJ now considers factors like the borrower's age, disability status, income trajectory, and whether the loans provided a meaningful benefit. Under this guidance, the DOJ can recommend discharge or partial discharge rather than fighting every case.
As a result, more student loan discharges are being granted than at any point in the past 30 years. Several courts have also moved away from the strict Brunner Test toward a "totality of the circumstances" approach, which gives judges more flexibility.
Who's getting discharge now: Borrowers over 50 who are unlikely to see significant income increases. People with disabilities or chronic health conditions that limit earning capacity. Borrowers whose loans funded programs at schools that closed or committed fraud. People who've been in repayment for 20+ years and still owe more than they originally borrowed.
Private vs. federal loans: The same legal standard applies to both, but private lenders must hire their own attorneys to fight the discharge (the DOJ only handles federal loans). Some private lenders don't bother contesting smaller loans, making private student loan discharge somewhat easier to obtain in practice.
What to do: If you're considering bankruptcy and have student loans, consult with a bankruptcy attorney who has experience with adversary proceedings. The legal landscape has shifted significantly, and discharge is more achievable now than it was even 3 years ago. Even if full discharge isn't possible, some borrowers negotiate partial discharge or modified repayment terms through the bankruptcy process.