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Rising Tuition Costs Drive Student Debt to $1.7 Trillion

4/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

As National College Decision Day approaches, college affordability remains a major concern for students and parents.
A NerdWallet report shows 46% of 2026 graduates will attend a four-year college and borrow $43,000.
Rising tuition costs have increased by 5.6% annually, contributing to the debt.
Federal student loan debt remains high, with 42.8 million Americans owing $1.696 trillion and more than 1 million new graduates expected to incur debt.

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Story summary

As National College Decision Day approaches, college affordability remains a major concern for students and parents.
A NerdWallet report shows 46% of 2026 graduates will attend a four-year college and borrow $43,000.
Rising tuition costs have increased by 5.6% annually, contributing to the debt.
Federal student loan debt remains high, with 42.8 million Americans owing $1.696 trillion and more than 1 million new graduates expected to incur debt.