While many experts have said student loans are practically impossible to discharge in bankruptcy for years, a recent bulletin from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau tells another story. They note that private student loans may be discharged in a normal bankruptcy proceeding in various circumstances, including: Loans where the loan amount was higher than the cost of attendance Loans to pay for education at places that are not eligible for Title IV funding Loans made to a student attending school less than half-time There are also additional circumstances where student loans can be discharged in a normal bankruptcy, such as if a loan was made to cover fees and living expenses incurred for a student who was studying for the bar exam or other professional exams. Loans made to cover fees and living expenses for a student in the midst of a medical or dental residency may also be discharged in bankruptcy if certain conditions are met.