AI tools struggle with student loan questions, study finds

(InvestigateTV) — Popular AI platforms may not be ready to answer complex questions about student loans, according to a new evaluation by The College Investor.

The study reviewed platforms like ChatGPT, Grok, Perplexity, Copilot, and Google Gemini. Researchers found that 43 percent of AI-generated answers about student loan forgiveness were either incorrect or misleading.

Robert Farrington with The College Investor said the results show why borrowers should be cautious when relying on AI for financial guidance.

“It clearly defined what public service student loan forgiveness was,” Farrington explained.

“However, we asked about changes that just passed in the One Big Beautiful Big Act, and it couldn’t answer any of them. So, if you’re trying to plan for the future, it’s not going to help you navigate what’s changing and how does that impact you and the cost of that can be serious.”

Farrington recommended that borrowers double-check AI answers against trusted resources such as studentaid.gov or by contacting their loan servicer directly.

“AI is a fun tool, but it does rely on the data that you put into it,” Farrington said. “And so, the one thing I’ve learned in talking with student loan borrowers over the years is they don’t always even know the right question to ask. So, if you’re asking it a question, it might give you an answer but that might not be the answer you need for your specific financial situation.”

Farrington stressed that while AI may be useful for general information, student loan borrowers should seek advice from experts who understand the complexities of repayment and forgiveness programs.

He said the answers people receive from AI right now may not accurately reflect what is actually available for them.