This nation's federal student-loan system has reached a tipping point that, with the new leadership in Washington, offers a rare opportunity to create real change. To create a more consumer-focused student-loan program with both public and private capital, the Education Department, lenders, colleges in both programs, guarantors, and others should develop a single, lender-neutral system whereby a student or parent could pick any lender, including the government, on any campus and have the loan processed as efficiently as any other. A single-origination system would open up the market to many more lenders and capital sources, increasing competition--which, in turn, would give borrowers more choices and greatly improve the process. Perhaps most important, a revised federal loan program should provide borrowers with effective debt-management services over the lives of their loans. One of the choices that the borrower should have the right to exercise, regardless of the outcome of the debate on the source of capital, is about debt-management services and the quality of assistance he or she receives during debt repayment. This nations' federal student-loan program should make it easier for borrowers to make the right choices in managing their debt. To achieve this, knowledge is key: Leaders must be intentional about arming borrowers with comprehensive and timely information at every step along the loan process. If the Obama administration is serious about changing Americans' behavior for the better, it shouldn't give up this golden opportunity to help assure a successful higher-education experience and promote fiscal responsibility.