With PSLF, the amount forgiven is tax-free, which makes it a draw for some. This is the first year any borrowers are eligible for PSLF, and very few have actually qualified. There are a lot of caveats with PSLF … only on-time payments count, only work at qualifying employers that is properly certified counts, 30 or more hours/week must be certified to count, payments made while in paid-ahead status don’t count, etc., etc. I always caution my students that they may not qualify, the program may be modified or discontinued, etc.
I believe that if IBR and PSLF are in place for some, they need to be in place for all. Who is going to determine what degree/program/school/tuition cut-off/etc. is “fair?” In other words, whose value judgment should count?