Story perspectives

Student Loan Delinquency Soars to 25%, Impacting Millions

2/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

The 2025 student loan delinquency rate rose to 25%, up from 9% in 2019, with 7.9 million borrowers entering delinquency.
Ellen Keast, Education Department press secretary, says the rise follows policies of the U.S. President Donald Trump administration.
Biden administration relief measures have masked these rates.
More than 600,000 loan holders await affordable repayment plans; Southern states such as Louisiana and Mississippi show the highest delinquency, with Black borrowers most affected.

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Story summary

The 2025 student loan delinquency rate rose to 25%, up from 9% in 2019, with 7.9 million borrowers entering delinquency.
Ellen Keast, Education Department press secretary, says the rise follows policies of the U.S. President Donald Trump administration.
Biden administration relief measures have masked these rates.
More than 600,000 loan holders await affordable repayment plans; Southern states such as Louisiana and Mississippi show the highest delinquency, with Black borrowers most affected.