What is the average student loan debt in the US?
Asked by: Mr. Eladio Renner Jr. | Last update: November 4, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (38 votes)
The average federal student loan debt balance is $38,375, while the total average balance (including private loan debt) may be as high as $41,520. 4.86% of federal student loans dollars were in default as of 2024's fourth financial quarter (2024 Q4); 1.61% of private student loans were in default as of 2024 Q1.
How many people owe 100k in student loans?
Adults with a postgraduate degree are especially likely to have a large amount of student loan debt. About a quarter of these advanced degree holders who borrowed (26%) owed $100,000 or more in 2023, compared with 9% of all borrowers. Overall, only 1% of all U.S. adults owed at least $100,000.
How much student loan debt does the average American have?
The average federal student loan debt is $37,853 per borrower. Outstanding private student loan debt totals $128.8 billion. The average student borrows over $30,000 to pursue a bachelor's degree.
Is $70,000 in student loans a lot?
A lot of student loan debt is more than you can afford to repay after graduation. For many, this means having more than $70,000 – $100,000 in total student debt.
How bad is 50k in student loans?
Having $50,000 in student loan debt can be a tremendous financial burden. Depending on your interest rate and the types of loans you have, the payments can amount to a very large portion of your monthly budget.
What Is The Average Student Loan Monthly Payment For US Borrowers?
How to pay off $60,000 in debt in 2 years?
- Figure out your budget.
- Reduce your spending.
- Stop using your credit cards.
- Look for extra income and cash.
- Find a payoff method you'll stick with.
- Look into debt consolidation.
- Know when to call it quits.
What age do people pay off student loans?
You're not alone if you are still paying off your student loans from your college education years ago. In fact, many Americans are paying their student loans well into middle age. A 2019 study from New York Life found that the average age when people finally pay off their student loans for good is 45.
What is the average credit card debt?
At the close of 2019, the average household had a credit card debt of $7,499. During the first quarter of 2021, it dropped to $6,209. In 2022, credit card debt rose again to $7,951 and has increased linearly. In 2023, it reached $8,599 — $75 shy of the 2024 average.
What is a reasonable amount of student loan debt?
A guideline for the right amount of student loan debt
Personal finance specialists often advise students to take on less student loan debt than the average starting salary of their desired career. If you stick to this guideline, specialists say, you should be able to repay your loans within ten years.
What racial group has the most student loan debt?
Black adults are more than twice as likely than white adults to have student loan debt. The following graph includes federal and private student loan debt among all adults. On average, Black adults in the U.S. also hold higher student loan debt balances than borrowers of other races.
How many Americans have over $1000000 in student debt?
Behind the numbers (WSJ): Due to escalating tuition and easy credit, the U.S. has 101 people who owe at least $1 million in federal student loans, according to the Education Department. Five years ago, 14 people owed that much. More could join that group.
How many people graduate debt free?
Key Takeaways. More than four in ten students at public four-year universities complete their bachelor's degree with zero debt. Nearly eight in ten students graduate with less than $30,000 in debt.
Is it a parent's responsibility to pay back their children's student loans?
When the time comes to start making payments, only the student is obligated to repay these loans — not the parents. In fact, there's no co-signer. If the student defaults on a federal student loan, it will affect the student's credit and won't be reported on the parent's credit history.
How long does it take the average person to pay off student loans?
On average, people with student loans have spent just over 21 years paying back their loans. Federal student loans offer repayment plans that last from 10 to 30 years. Private student loan repayment terms vary.
How many people have $50,000 in credit card debt?
Running up $50,000 in credit card debt is not impossible. About two million Americans do it every year. Paying off that bill?
What is the average credit score in America?
The average FICO credit score in the US is 717, according to the latest FICO data. The average VantageScore is 701 as of January 2024.
Is it financially smart to pay off student loans?
Getting ahead of your student loan debt is generally a smart move. But, if it meansavoiding higher-interest debt or delaying an important financial goal, paying your student loans off ahead of schedule may not be worth it in the long run.
Do student loans go away at 65?
No, the federal government doesn't forgive student loans at age 50, 65, or when borrowers retire and start drawing Social Security benefits. So, for example, you'll still owe Parent PLUS Loans, FFEL Loans, and Direct Loans after you retire.
Is 20k in credit card debt a lot?
If you're carrying a significant balance, like $20,000 in credit card debt, a rate like that could have even more of a detrimental impact on your finances. The longer the balance goes unpaid, the more the interest charges compound, turning what could have been a manageable debt into a hefty financial burden.
How much is 60000 student loan payment per month?
10 years X 12 months in a year = 120 in a 10 year span. $60,000 / 120 = $500 a month. Add $100 to $200 a month to cover the interest. Find your APR and find a online calculator to get the exact payment based.