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Millions of Older Americans Struggle with Student Loan Debt

1/3/2026

23 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Millions of Americans nearing retirement still owe substantial student loan debt, with borrowers aged 50 to 61 averaging $48,203.
More than half of these borrowers owe $20,000 or more.
The total U.S. student loan debt totals about $1.7 trillion, with older borrowers holding over $308 billion.
Although most borrowers owe less than $40,000, those with debts over $100,000 have risen about 60% since 2017.

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Story summary

Millions of Americans nearing retirement still owe substantial student loan debt, with borrowers aged 50 to 61 averaging $48,203.
More than half of these borrowers owe $20,000 or more.
The total U.S. student loan debt totals about $1.7 trillion, with older borrowers holding over $308 billion.
Although most borrowers owe less than $40,000, those with debts over $100,000 have risen about 60% since 2017.