Bankruptcy cases do not often include student debt because of the extra filings needed and the rate at which they are discharged. According to Tara Siegel Bernard for the New York Times, a new, more streamlined process for bankruptcy is making it easier to claim student debt and actually have it forgiven. Many jurisdictions utilize the Brunner test for those claiming student debt and the new approach to filing makes it easier to pass that test:

Can you currently maintain the loans and maintain a minimal standard of living?
Is your situation likely to persist for a significant portion of the repayment period?
Have you made a good faith effort to repay the loans?

By satisfying this test, borrower’s cases may be reviewed by the Justice Department and recommendations of discharge made to a bankruptcy judge.

Read More Here: More Student Loan Borrowers Are Shedding Debts in Bankruptcy