Student loan debt in the United States now totals over $1.6 trillion owed collectively by millions of people who have chosen to attend college. Outstanding student loans are now double what they were a decade ago and triple what they were in 2006. It has become increasingly difficult for people to quickly pay down their student loan balances.
Repayment Options
There are some student loan repayment options that are lengthening the timeframe for which borrowers pay off their loans. Opting for a plan that allows borrowers to pay based on income helps them make payments, as their monthly payment total will be decreased. But, that also means they will have to pay over a longer period of time, which is also what some borrowers are requesting beyond income-based options.
Higher enrollment and tuition costs were the issues causing increased student loan balances in the past. Now, one of the issues causing higher balances is how long people take to repay their student loans. The consistent increase in borrowing will only add to the outstanding student loan debt in the U.S.
High Default Rate
Student loan debt has the highest default rate of any debt category in the U.S. At 11%, the default rate reaffirms paying off student loans has become increasingly difficult. Student loan debt is now the second highest form of debt in America, with mortgages being the only category bigger than student loan debt.
Delayed Events
College graduates are facing difficult decisions regarding their personal lives. Because of increased debt due to student loans, some borrowers are finding it unrealistic to buy a house, get married, or have children. Their personal success may be delayed until they are comfortable enough in their earnings and debt to move forward with other financial responsibilities. Access to other forms of household credit may be limited as well. This could delay creating a business, and therefore limit wealth creation and economic growth.
Repayment Acceleration
Student loan debt has grown faster for students in four-year and graduate schools than in community colleges. This may be a sign that repayment rates could accelerate.
Political Impact
Politicians, especially Democrats, have discussed the potential of reducing or eliminating student loan debt for millions of Americans. Presidential candidates recognize there is a problem with student loan balance in the U.S. If there is ever a change in how people pay for college and it becomes less of a financial burden, the economy would benefit. Student loan borrowers could then become customers. They could put their earnings back into the economy and make purchases for their homes and families without the stress of student loan repayment.
Positive News
The annual growth rate went down to 5% in the third quarter of 2019. That was almost 10% lower than the peak in 2008, which was 14.7%.