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I can't even remember how much interest it is. I've basically deferred for now until a later date.

Why would they do that? They'd rather get something rather than nothing. They're making money off the interest sure but if enough people came up with enough money to even pay half of the total debt and try to settle, I find it hard that the loan holders would not want half a trillion dollars up front. But I know they can nickel and dime people for centuries on the interest payments.

they're not looking at it that way.
they're looking at it on an individual basis.
if you pay off your loan...you're gone.
if you continue to pay...lookit all that lovely interest the make.
I imagine that your payout over the life of the loan will be over twice what the face value is...kinda like a house.

Why would they want to throw away half?

It may not be half but my plan is to try to work something out either way it goes. Even if they look at it the way they do. It's their money but I hold the briefcase.