National Student Loan Default Rate [2026]: Delinquency Data

Report Highlights. $220.3 billion was the total balance of federally-managed student loan dollars as of the second fiscal quarter (Q2) in 2026.

8.931 million federal student borrowers had loans that were at least 30 days delinquent as of 2026 Q1.
At the end of 2025, 10.56% of outstanding federal* student loan debt was in default.
10.36% of student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default within three (3) years of entering repayment.
42% of student borrowers have had to choose between making student loan payments and paying for basic needs.

*All student loan debt in this report refers to federal debt except when stated otherwise. More than 95% of federal student loans are federally-managed; the rest is administered by private companies under contract.

Line graph: 3-Year Default Rates Among New College Graduates from 2010 to 2019 according to the National Center for Education Data Statistics

Student Loan Default Statistics

Student loan payments enter default after 270 days (almost nine months) of nonpayment; credit bureaus are notified sooner than this, however, and late loan payments generally begin to affect credit scores by the time payments are 90 days overdue.

As of 2026 Q2, 2.23% of federally-managed student loan debt in repayment is in default, representing 0.82% of all federal student loan debt.
The average student loan balance entering default at the start of 2026 was $23,500.
After adjusting for inflation, the average defaulted student loan balance declined 9.95% over 10 years.
Borrowers who attended private, nonprofit vocational and technical schools (including nondegree career training programs) have an 18.1% 3-year default rate, the highest among federal student borrowers.

Line graph: 3-Year Default Rates Among New Private Postsecondary Graduates from 2010 to 2019 according to the National Center for Education Data Statistics

Historical Student Loan Default Rates

Nationwide, default rates are expected to rise over the short term despite long term declines.

In 2016 Q1, $18,936 was the average defaulted student loan balance, equivalent to $26,097 in 2026 dollars.
In the 2010s, 6.96% of borrowers who attended public universities defaulted on their student loans within three (3) years of entering repayment.
Zero federal student loans entered default between March 2020 through late-2025 due to federal relief.

Student Loan Default by State

At the state level, the size of the balance due does not appear to affect the likelihood of default among federal student loan borrowers. Data in this section refers to 2026 Q1.

Among states, Mississippi has the highest default rate among student loan borrowers; 27.7% of borrowers have at least one defaulted loan.
Student loan borrowers in New Mexico have the highest share of defaulted loan dollars (14.9%).
The District of Columbia has the highest average defaulted balance per borrower ($27,840).

Alabama Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Alabama have $3.579 billion in defaulted federally-managed loans.

13.8% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Alabama are in default.
150,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Alabama.
22.4% of Alabama student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Alabama average $23,860 per borrower.

Alaska Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Alaska have $284 million in defaulted loans.

11.8% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Alaska are in default.
13,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Alaska.
19.9% of Alaska student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Alaska average $21,846 per borrower.

Arizona Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Arizona have $4.498 billion in defaulted loans.

13.2% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Arizona are in default.
204,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Arizona.
22.1% of Arizona student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Arizona average $22,049 per borrower.

Arkansas Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Arkansas have $1.723 billion in defaulted loans.

12.0% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Arkansas are in default.
79,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Arkansas.
19.2% of Arkansas student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Arkansas average $21,810 per borrower.

California Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in California have $14.947 billion in defaulted loans.

9.51% of federally-managed student loan dollars in California are in default.
654,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in California.
16.5% of California student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in California average $14,947 per borrower.

Colorado Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Colorado have $3.037 billion in defaulted loans.

10.2% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Colorado are in default.
128,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Colorado.
16.5% of Colorado student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Colorado average $3,037 per borrower.

Connecticut Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Connecticut have $1.568 billion in defaulted loans.

7.92% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Connecticut are in default.
68,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Connecticut.
13.0% of Connecticut student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Connecticut average $1,568 per borrower.

Delaware Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Delaware have $634 million in defaulted loans.

11.3% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Delaware are in default.
25,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Delaware.
18.0% of Delaware student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Delaware average $25,360 per borrower.

District of Columbia Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in D.C. have $696 million in defaulted loans.

10.7% of federally-managed student loan dollars in D.C. are in default.
25,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in D.C.
21.5% of D.C. student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in D.C. average $27,840 per borrower.

Florida Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Florida have $10.278 billion in defaulted loans.

9.10% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Florida are in default.
436,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Florida.
15.8% of Florida student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Florida average $23,573 per borrower.

Georgia Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Georgia have $8.118 billion in defaulted loans.

10.9% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Georgia are in default.
314,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Georgia.
18.3% of Georgia student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Georgia average $25,854 per borrower.

Hawaii Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Hawaii have $542 million in defaulted loans.

11.1% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Hawaii are in default.
21,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Hawaii.
17.1% of Hawaii student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Hawaii average $25,810 per borrower.

Idaho Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Idaho have $852 million in defaulted loans.

11.4% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Idaho are in default.
38,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Idaho.
17.4% of Idaho student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Idaho average $22,421 per borrower.

Illinois Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Illinois have $5.486 billion in defaulted loans.

8.39% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Illinois are in default.
234,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Illinois.
14.4% of Illinois student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Illinois average $23,444 per borrower.

Indiana Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Indiana have $4.188 billion in defaulted loans.

13.5% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Indiana are in default.
188,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Indiana.
20.7% of Indiana student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Indiana average $22,277 per borrower.

Iowa Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Iowa have $1.730 billion in defaulted loans.

12.7% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Iowa are in default.
78,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Iowa.
18.2% of Iowa student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Iowa average $22,179 per borrower.

Kansas Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Kansas have $1.740 billion in defaulted loans.

13.3% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Kansas are in default.
74,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Kansas.
19.3% of Kansas student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Kansas average $23,514 per borrower.

Kentucky Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Kentucky have $2.462 billion in defaulted loans.

11.4% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Kentucky are in default.
115,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Kentucky.
18.5% of Kentucky student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Kentucky average $21,409 per borrower.

Louisiana Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Louisiana have $3.431 billion in defaulted loans.

13.7% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Louisiana are in default.
159,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Louisiana.
22.7% of Louisiana student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Louisiana average $21,579 per borrower.

Maine Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Maine have $709 million in defaulted loans.

10.6% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Maine are in default.
31,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Maine.
16.4% of Maine student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Maine average $22,871 per borrower.

Maryland Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Maryland have $4.064 billion in defaulted loans.

10.6% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Maryland are in default.
155,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Maryland.
18.2% of Maryland student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Maryland average $26,219 per borrower.

Massachusetts Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Massachusetts have $2.926 billion in defaulted loans.

8.73% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Massachusetts are in default.
121,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Massachusetts.
13.2% of Massachusetts student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Massachusetts average $24,182 per borrower.

Michigan Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Michigan have $6.482 billion in defaulted loans.

12.2% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Michigan are in default.
282,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Michigan.
20.3% of Michigan student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Michigan average $22,986 per borrower.

Minnesota Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Minnesota have $2.640 billion in defaulted loans.

9.57% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Minnesota are in default.
111,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Minnesota.
14.2% of Minnesota student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Minnesota average $23,784 per borrower.

Mississippi Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Mississippi have $2.568 billion in defaulted loans.

14.4% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Mississippi are in default.
116,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Mississippi.
25.2% of Mississippi student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Mississippi average $22,138 per borrower.

Missouri Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Missouri have $3.749 billion in defaulted loans.

12.3% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Missouri are in default.
159,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Missouri.
19.1% of Missouri student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Missouri average $23,579 per borrower.

Montana Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Montana have $509 million in defaulted loans.

11.3% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Montana are in default.
22,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Montana.
17.2% of Montana student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Montana average $23,136 per borrower.

Nebraska Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Nebraska have $805 million in defaulted loans.

9.82% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Nebraska are in default.
37,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Nebraska.
15.0% of Nebraska student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Nebraska average $21,757 per borrower.

Nevada Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Nevada have $1.710 billion in defaulted loans.

13.0% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Nevada are in default.
83,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Nevada.
22.4% of Nevada student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Nevada average $20,602 per borrower.

New Hampshire Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in New Hampshire have $609 million in defaulted loans.

8.83% of federally-managed student loan dollars in New Hampshire are in default.
25,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in New Hampshire.
13.1% of New Hampshire student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in New Hampshire average $24,360 per borrower.

New Jersey Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in New Jersey have $4.611 billion in defaulted loans.

9.53% of federally-managed student loan dollars in New Jersey are in default.
191,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in New Jersey.
15.3% of New Jersey student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in New Jersey average $24,141 per borrower.

New Mexico Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in New Mexico have $1.191 billion in defaulted loans.

14.9% of federally-managed student loan dollars in New Mexico are in default.
54,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in New Mexico.
23.7% of New Mexico student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in New Mexico average $22,056 per borrower.

New York Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in New York have $10.832 billion in defaulted loans.

10.8% of federally-managed student loan dollars in New York are in default.
434,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in New York.
17.5% of New York student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in New York average $24,959 per borrower.

North Carolina Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in North Carolina have $5.676 billion in defaulted loans.

10.2% of federally-managed student loan dollars in North Carolina are in default.
231,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in North Carolina.
16.6% of North Carolina student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in North Carolina average $24,571 per borrower.

North Dakota Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in North Dakota have $312 million in defaulted loans.

11.6% of federally-managed student loan dollars in North Dakota are in default.
14,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in North Dakota.
15.6% of North Dakota student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in North Dakota average $22,286 per borrower.

Ohio Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Ohio have $8.630 billion in defaulted loans.

13.4% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Ohio are in default.
382,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Ohio.
21.4% of Ohio student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Ohio average $22,592 per borrower.

Oklahoma Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Oklahoma have $2.424 billion in defaulted loans.

14.2% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Oklahoma are in default.
115,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Oklahoma.
22.3% of Oklahoma student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Oklahoma average $21,078 per borrower.

Oregon Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Oregon have $2.351 billion in defaulted loans.

11.3% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Oregon are in default.
100,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Oregon.
18.8% of Oregon student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Oregon average $23,510 per borrower.

Pennsylvania Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Pennsylvania have $7.268 billion in defaulted loans.

10.4% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Pennsylvania are in default.
320,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Pennsylvania.
17.1% of Pennsylvania student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Pennsylvania average $22,713 per borrower.

Puerto Rico Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Puerto Rico have $1.571 billion in defaulted loans.

13.7% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Puerto Rico are in default.
93,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Puerto Rico.
27.7% of Puerto Rico student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Puerto Rico average $16,892 per borrower.

Rhode Island Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Rhode Island have $541 million in defaulted loans.

10.4% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Rhode Island are in default.
24,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Rhode Island.
15.9% of Rhode Island student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Rhode Island average $22,542 per borrower.

South Carolina Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in South Carolina have $3.191 billion in defaulted loans.

10.2% of federally-managed student loan dollars in South Carolina are in default.
134,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in South Carolina.
17.0% of South Carolina student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in South Carolina average $23,813 per borrower.

South Dakota Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in South Dakota have $404 million in defaulted loans.

10.9% of federally-managed student loan dollars in South Dakota are in default.
18,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in South Dakota.
15.2% of South Dakota student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in South Dakota average $22,444 per borrower.

Tennessee Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Tennessee have $3.991 billion in defaulted loans.

11.6% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Tennessee are in default.
175,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Tennessee.
19.4% of Tennessee student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Tennessee average $22,806 per borrower.

Texas Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Texas have $16.697 billion in defaulted loans.

12.1% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Texas are in default.
777,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Texas.
19.5% of Texas student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Texas average $21,489 per borrower.

Utah Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Utah have $948 million in defaulted loans.

8.54% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Utah are in default.
42,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Utah.
13.2% of Utah student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Utah average $22,571 per borrower.

Vermont Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Vermont have $258 million in defaulted loans.

8.90% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Vermont are in default.
10,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Vermont.
13.2% of Vermont student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Vermont average $25,800 per borrower.

Virginia Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Virginia have $4.259 billion in defaulted loans.

9.34% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Virginia are in default.
167,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Virginia.
15.2% of Virginia student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Virginia average $25,503 per borrower.

Washington Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Washington have $2.698 billion in defaulted loans.

9.08% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Washington are in default.
117,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Washington.
14.9% of Washington student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Washington average $23,060 per borrower.

West Virginia Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in West Virginia have $1.138 billion in defaulted loans.

14.8% of federally-managed student loan dollars in West Virginia are in default.
52,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in West Virginia.
22.6% of West Virginia student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in West Virginia average $21,885 per borrower.

Wisconsin Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Wisconsin have $2.061 billion in defaulted loans.

8.59% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Wisconsin are in default.
99,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Wisconsin.
13.8% of Wisconsin student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Wisconsin average $20,818 per borrower.

Wyoming Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in Wyoming have $203 million in defaulted loans.

11.3% of federally-managed student loan dollars in Wyoming are in default.
10,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in Wyoming.
18.0% of Wyoming student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in Wyoming average $20,300 per borrower.

Other Locations & Territories Student Loan Default

Student loan borrowers in other locations and territories have $364 million in defaulted loans.

7.14% of federally-managed student loan dollars in other locations and territories are in default.
11,000 borrowers have defaulted on their federal student loans in other locations.
11.0% of other locations student loan borrowers have at least one loan in default.
Defaulted federally-managed student loans in other locations average $33,091 per borrower.

What Happens When Your Student Loans Default

Defaulting on student loans can have long-term or even irreparable consequences.

The loan is immediately due in its entirety.

Upon default, the entire outstanding balance of a borrower’s student loan comes due. This lump sum continues to collect interest and late fees.

You lose benefit eligibility.

A borrower who has defaulted on a student loan loses eligibility for future benefits. This may include further student aid, deferment or forbearance of payment, and even tax benefits.

Your credit score declines.

Defaulted student loans are reported to credit bureaus. As a result, you may not be eligible to receive other types of loans, such as home and auto loans. It can take years to undo the damage.

You lose income.

Wage garnishing and withholding tax refunds is another way government and private lenders may collect on defaulted loan payments. A lender can arrange to have your employer withhold a portion of each pay check to be paid directly to the lender.

You may be subject to legal action.

In order to collect garnished wages, lenders may sue you in court. You may then also be charged for any court costs or other fees related to the lawsuit.

Schools may withhold your proof of attendance.

Depending on the type of institution you attended, a school may withhold academic transcripts. It is legal for colleges to do this but not required.

How to Get Student Loans Out of Default

It is possible to restore good standing, but it may take several months or years. Some default solutions may restore benefits lost due to student loan default.

Repay loans immediately and in full.

This is usually not an option for students with loans.

Consolidate your student loans.

This is the most common method indebted borrowers use to pay off loans in default. Consolidating loans joins multiple loan debts, effectively giving the borrower one large loan to pay off instead of many smaller ones. Loan consolidation is an option for borrowers with student loans that have been in default for 3 weeks or more. Consolidation offers new opportunities for income-based and extended payment plans.

Rehabilitate your student loans.

Loan rehabilitation may take several months while loan consolidation works faster. Loan rehabilitation may remove the record of default from the borrower’s history but loan consolidation does not. In order to qualify for loan rehabilitation, borrowers must apply within 20 days of default. A loan may only undergo rehabilitation once; if the borrower defaults again on the same loan, rehabilitation will not be possible.

Apply for student loan forgiveness or loan discharge.

Student loan forgiveness or discharge may be possible with defaulted loans in certain cases, such as death or fraud.

For private student loans (i.e. non-federal), refinancing may be an option.

Few student loan refinancing programs accept loans that have defaulted. Look for lenders that advertise flexible underwriting criteria. At least one national education lender specializes in defaulted loans, though consumer reviews are mixed.

Student Loan Delinquency Rate

Although a loan is considered delinquent when the monthly payment is overdue, credit bureaus generally aren’t notified immediately; it may take one or two payment periods before a delinquent loan begins to affect the borrower’s credit score.

Among student borrowers with federal loans in repayment, 22.66% have payments at least 30 days overdue.
Among federal student loans in current repayment, 18.0% are at least 30 days delinquent.
6.56% of all student loan dollars (including those not yet in repayment) are at least 30 days delinquent.