The Shocking Scope of Student Debt

Student debt statistics show a nation — and a generation of young people — in crisis. They need our help.

$1.75 Trillion

The total outstanding student debt in the U.S.

$38,787

The average student loan balance, among all borrowers

$302/month

The average student loan payment for bachelor's degree holder'

64%

The percentage of undergrads who leave school with debt

It's Bigger Than Credit Card Debt

As the cost of education has risen, student debt has overtaken credit card debt and auto debt as the second largest category of debt in the U.S., after mortgages. Those who pursue higher education are left with an outsized financial burden that can cripple their ability to pursue big goals after leaving school.

Rising Education Costs Burden Borrowers Like Never Before

According to data released by the National Center for Education Statistics, the average yearly cost of obtaining a 4-year degree in 1981, including tuition, fees, and room and board was $10,631 adjusted for inflation into 2021 dollars. In 2021, 40 years later, the average cost had risen to $29,033 – nearly triple the inflation-adjusted cost.

What Does a College Graduate’s Budget Look Like?

A college degree has traditionally been viewed as a path to financial success. But what do a typical college graduate’s finances actually look like?