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Aren't there bankruptcy protections?

There are none for student loans. If you file bankruptcy they're the only kind of debt that you can't discharge.

This isn't true. 11 USC 523 contains a long list of non-dischargeable debts, including child/spousal support obligations, certain taxes, and debts incurred by fraud or willful injury.

You can get student loans discharged. It's a misconception that many believe, even lawyers. It's just very, no, extremely, difficult to do so.

ADD: From the horses mouth: "However, certain circumstances might lead to your loans being forgiven, canceled, or discharged." ( https://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellati... )

Huh. That contradicts what I remember from my exit counseling. Perhaps it's a useful misconception?

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