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Student-loan delinquencies stabilize near pre-pandemic levels

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Federal Reserve (Fed) Bank of New York reported that serious student-loan delinquencies stabilized in the second quarter of 2026.
About 10.6 percent of loan balances were 90 days past due in Q2 2026, matching pre-pandemic levels.
Researchers warned that ending the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan could raise future delinquency rates.
As of March 2026, one in five borrowers—approximately 9.5 million—had loans in default, more than nine months behind.

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Story summary

The Federal Reserve (Fed) Bank of New York reported that serious student-loan delinquencies stabilized in the second quarter of 2026.
About 10.6 percent of loan balances were 90 days past due in Q2 2026, matching pre-pandemic levels.
Researchers warned that ending the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan could raise future delinquency rates.
As of March 2026, one in five borrowers—approximately 9.5 million—had loans in default, more than nine months behind.