Millions of Americans face student loan defaults after pandemic relief ended. Borrowers like Ashley Dreahn and Barbara Howaniec struggle with rising debt. Changes to income-driven repayment plans increase monthly payment burdens for many. The federal government can garnish wages and Social Security payments from defaulters. This situation creates widespread despair and financial hardship across the nation.

According to an Associated Press analysis, more than 4.2 million people across the country defaulted on student loans between April 2025 and March 2026.

Defaults on student loans have surged across the United States, reaching record levels as borrowers struggle to keep up with payments.

Millions of Americans face student loan defaults after pandemic relief ended. Borrowers like Ashley Dreahn and Barbara Howaniec struggle with rising debt. Changes to…

Defaults on student loans have surged across the United States, reaching record levels as borrowers struggle to keep up with payments.

Ashley Dreahn lived in an RV park when she got a default notice. "I just feel like, where is that light at the end of the tunnel now that I thought I had?”

Many of the states with the highest concentrations of defaulted borrowers are in the South, an AP analysis found. Trump states lead the way.

Defaults on student loans have surged across the US, reaching record levels as borrowers struggle to keep up with payments.The numbers have spiked since payments came due again…

US student loan defaults have surged to record levels, with 9.5M borrowers in default after pandemic relief ended, raising fears of a worsening debt crisis.