New Data Shows Certain Circumstances May Contribute to Student Loan Default

A survey from The Pew Charitable Trusts shows that approximately one-third of federal undergraduate student loan borrowers reported experiencing default at some point over the past two decades. Among borrowers who experienced default, nearly two-thirds had a loan default more than once. Understanding the circumstances that may make borrowers particularly vulnerable to repayment challenges can help prevent such barriers in the future.

The data in this series provides new insight into the likelihood of default based on borrowers’ personal, financial, and academic characteristics.