Student Loan Debt in 2023: Statistics and Future Projections

Explore the latest statistics on student loan debt in 2023, providing insights into the current landscape and future projections for educational debt.


Student loan debt is a major financial burden for millions of Americans. As of October 2023, the total amount of outstanding student loan debt in the United States is $1.78 trillion. This figure has been steadily increasing in recent years, and it is projected to continue to grow in the future.

Here are some key statistics about student loan debt in 2023:

  • The average student loan debt for a bachelor's degree is $39,351.
  • 43.4 million Americans have student loan debt.
  • 1 in 5 borrowers is in default on their student loans.
  • The average monthly student loan payment is $442.

Student loan debt is a major burden for many Americans, and it can have a significant impact on their financial well-being. Borrowers with high student loan debt may have difficulty saving for a down payment on a house, investing for retirement, or starting their own businesses.

Future Projections

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that student loan debt will continue to grow in the coming years. The CBO estimates that the total amount of outstanding student loan debt will reach $2.8 trillion by 2033.

The growth in student loan debt is due to a number of factors, including the rising cost of tuition and fees, the increasing number of students who attend college, and the declining availability of federal grants.

Conclusion

Student loan debt is a major financial burden for millions of Americans. It is important to be aware of the statistics and future projections related to student loan debt so that you can make informed decisions about your education and financial planning.

If you are considering taking out student loans, be sure to research your options carefully and only borrow what you need. You should also develop a plan for repaying your student loans after you graduate.

Student Loan Debt: 2023 Statistics and Outlook.

Here's a quick overview of statistics and projections related to student loan debt in 2023:

  • Total student loan debt in the U.S. is projected to exceed $1.74 trillion in 2023. This debt is held by approximately 45 million borrowers.
  • The average student loan balance for bachelor's degree graduates is forecast to be around $32,000 for the Class of 2023.
  • For the Class of 2022, the average monthly student loan payment was between $200 to $299 per month. Payments often take a big chunk of new graduates' entry-level salaries.
  • Around 13.7% of student loans are expected to be in some state of delinquency in 2023 based on historical averages. The official student loan default rate is projected to be 9.5%.
  • Student loan debt is now the second highest consumer debt category after mortgages. Credit card debt actually declined during the pandemic while student loans grew.
  • Most government pandemic relief for student loan payments is set to expire in December 2023 unless extended. This could drive up the delinquency rate once payments resume.
  • Broad student debt cancellation does not look likely, but expanded income-driven repayment plans may help borrowers lower payments.

Overall, high student loan balances coupled with rising interest rates point to student debt remaining a persistent economic problem. Finding ways to lessen the burden on borrowers will likely remain a hot political issue into 2024 and beyond.