Student Loan Debt by State

By

Lyss Welding

Updated on October 3, 2022

Edited by

Jordan Stewart-Rozema, Ph.D.

• Fact-checked by Marley Hall

Learn more about our editorial process

Some states and areas have significantly higher debt than others. Learn which states have the highest and lowest student loan debt levels in our report.

Credit: Pekic / E+ / Getty Images

Average Student Loan Debt by State

Highest Average Student Loan Debt per Borrower

1. Washington, D.C. ($55,508)
2. Maryland ($43,619)
3. Georgia ($42,207)
4. Virginia ($39,892)
5. South Carolina ($38,915)

Lowest Average Student Loan Debt per Borrower

1. Puerto Rico ($28,946)
2. North Dakota ($29,885)
3. Iowa ($30,988)
4. Wyoming ($31,365)
5. South Dakota ($31,979)

Student Loan Debt by State Map

Average Student Loan Debt per Borrower: State Rankings

States Where the Most Residents Hold Student Loan Debt

States Where the Most Residents Hold Debt

1. Washington, D.C. (17.5%)
2. Georgia (15.2%)
3. Ohio (15.1%)
4. Mississippi (14.8%)
5. South Carolina (14.1%)

States Where the Fewest Residents Hold Debt

1. Hawaii (8.4%)
2. Alaska (9.2%)
3. Utah (9.2%)
4. Wyoming (9.4%)
5. California (10.0%)

States’ Student Loan Debt per Capita

Areas With the Highest Student Loan Debt per Capita

1. Washington, D.C. ($9,701)
2. Georgia ($6,417)
3. Maryland ($5,888)
4. Mississippi ($5,559)
5. South Carolina ($5,471)

Areas With the Lowest Student Loan Debt per Capita

1. Puerto Rico ($2,911)
2. Wyoming ($2,937)
3. Utah ($3,056)
4. Alaska ($3,139)
5. Hawaii ($3,191)

Average Student Loan Debt at Graduation by State

Highest Average Student Loan Debt for 2020 Graduates

1. New Hampshire ($39,928)
2. Delaware ($39,705)
3. Pennsylvania ($39,375)
4. Rhode Island ($36,791)
5. Connecticut ($35,853)

Lowest Average Student Loan Debt for 2020 Graduates

1. Utah ($18,344)
2. New Mexico ($20,868)
3. California ($21,125)
4. Nevada ($21,357)
5. Wyoming ($23,510)

Student Loan Debt in Alabama

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Alabama is $23.8 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• The average debt among Alabama federal student loan borrowers is $37,832.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 5 million people live in Alabama. Roughly 12.5% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 8% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 51% of students graduating from Alabama schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $30,996 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Alaska

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Alaska is $2.3 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Alaska has the third lowest student debt per capita and the second smallest share of borrowers.
• About 9.2% of the state’s 733,000 residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• Alaska federal student loan borrowers’ average debt is $34,175.^{Footnote [1]}
• 9% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 47% of students graduating from Alaska schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $26,356 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Arizona

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Arizona is $31.6 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Arizona federal student loan borrowers’ average debt is $35,730.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 7.3 million people live in Arizona. Roughly 12.2% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 9% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 47% of students graduating from Arizona schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $24,298 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Arkansas

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Arkansas is $13.2 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Arkansas borrowers’ average federal student loan debt is $34,056.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 3 million people live in Arkansas. Roughly 12.8% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 8% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 54% of students graduating from Arkansas schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $27,319 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in California

• The total federal student loan debt balance in California is $146 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• California federal student loan borrowers hold an average debt of $37,366.^{Footnote [1]}
• California ranks fifth in the fewest residents to hold federal student loan debt. Roughly 10% of California’s 39 million state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 7% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 46% of students graduating from California schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• California ranks third in states where students graduated with the lowest average debt. On average, students graduated with $21,125 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Colorado

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Colorado is $28.7 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Colorado borrowers’ average federal student loan debt is $37,215.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 5.8 million people live in Colorado. Roughly 13.3% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 7% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 49% of students graduating from Colorado schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $26,424 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Connecticut

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Connecticut is $17.8 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Connecticut federal student loan borrowers’ average debt is $35,931.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 3.6 million people live in Connecticut. Roughly 13.7% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 6% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 57% of students graduating from Connecticut schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• Connecticut ranks fifth in states where students graduated with the highest debt. On average, students graduated with $35,853 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Delaware

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Delaware is $4.9 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Delaware federal student loan borrowers’ average debt comes to $38,371.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 1 million people live in Delaware. Roughly 12.7% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 8% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 60% of students graduating from Delaware schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• Delaware ranks second in states where students graduated with the highest debt. On average, students graduated with $39,705 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Florida

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Florida is $102.1 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Florida borrowers’ average federal student loan debt is $38,889.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 21.8 million people live in Florida. Roughly 12% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 8% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 47% of students graduating from Florida schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $24,454 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Georgia

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Georgia is $69.3 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Compared to other states, Georgia has the highest federal student loan debt per capita at $6,417. 1,2 On our list, it’s second only to Washington, D.C.
• Georgia has the third highest average debt among federal student loan borrowers at $42,207.^{Footnote [1]}
• A higher percentage of residents owe student loan debt in Georgia than any other state. Roughly 15.2% of Georgia’s 10.8 million residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 9% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 56% of students graduating from Georgia schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $27,759 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• Students borrowed larger loan amounts at the Georgia Institute of Technology and several schools enrolling mostly Black and low-income students.^{Footnote [15]}
• Graduates of Savannah State University, Fort Valley State University, and Albany State University have average loan amounts of over $31,000 at graduation. Students’ median annual incomes at these schools are less than $26,000.^{Footnote [15]}
• As in other states, Georgia’s income gap contributes to student debt. The average net worth of Georgia’s white households is six times greater than Black households.^{Footnote [15]}

Student Loan Debt in Hawaii

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Hawaii is $4.6 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Hawaii has some of the lowest student debt per capita and the smallest percentage of residents who owe federal student loan debt.
• About 1.4 million people live in Hawaii. Roughly 8.4% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• Hawaii federal student loan borrowers’ average debt is $37,798.^{Footnote [1]}
• 7% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 45% of students graduating from Hawaii schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $24,926 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Idaho

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Idaho is $7.2 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Idaho borrowers’ average federal student loan debt is $33,149.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 1.9 million people live in Idaho. Roughly 11.4% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 7% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 58% of students graduating from Idaho schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $24,983 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Illinois

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Illinois is $62.3 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• The average federal student loan debt for Illinois borrowers is $38,526.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 12.7 million people live in Illinois. Roughly 12.8% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 6% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 57% of students graduating from Illinois schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $28,552 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Indiana

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Indiana is $30 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Indiana federal student loan borrowers’ average debt is $33,363.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 6.8 million people live in Indiana. Roughly 13.2% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 7% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 57% of students graduating from Indiana schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $28,521 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Iowa

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Iowa is $13.3 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Iowa ranks third in the country for borrowers with the lowest average federal student loan debt. Iowa student loan borrowers hold $30,988 in average debt.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 3.2 million people live in Iowa. Roughly 13.4% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 9% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 60% of students graduating from Iowa schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $29,560 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Kansas

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Kansas is $12.7 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• The average debt for Kansas federal student loan borrowers is $33,351.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 2.9 million people live in Kansas. Roughly 13% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 8% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 60% of students graduating from Kansas schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $26,002 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Kentucky

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Kentucky is $19.9 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Kentucky borrowers’ average federal student loan debt is $33,322.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 4.5 million people live in Kentucky. Roughly 13.2% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 9% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 61% of students graduating from Kentucky schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $28,356 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Louisiana

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Louisiana is $22.7 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Louisiana borrowers’ average federal student loan debt is $35,118.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 4.6 million people live in Louisiana. Roughly 14% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 9% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 53% of students graduating from Louisiana schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $26,284 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Maine

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Maine is $6.3 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Federal student loan borrowers in Maine hold an average debt of $33,889.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 1.4 million people live in Maine. Roughly 13.6% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 5% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 63% of students graduating from Maine schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $32,764 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Maryland

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Maryland is $36.3 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Maryland residents have the highest average federal student loan debt compared to borrowers in other states. Maryland borrowers’ average debt is $43,619.^{Footnote [1]}
• Maryland ranks third in federal student loan debt per capita.
• About 6.2 million people live in Maryland. Roughly 13.5% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 7% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 55% of students graduating from Maryland schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $30,461 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Massachusetts

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Massachusetts is $31.3 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Massachusetts federal student loan borrowers’ average debt is $34,953.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 7 million people live in Massachusetts. Roughly 12.8% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 6% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 56% of students graduating from Massachusetts schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $33,457 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Michigan

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Michigan is $51.3 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Michigan borrowers’ average federal student loan debt is $36,643.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 10.1 million people live in Michigan. Roughly 13.9% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 8% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 58% of students graduating from Michigan schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $29,863 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Minnesota

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Minnesota is $26.7 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Federal student loan borrowers in Minnesota hold an average debt of $34,161.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 5.7 million people live in Minnesota. Roughly 13.7% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 6% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 64% of students graduating from Minnesota schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $32,012 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Mississippi

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Mississippi is $16.4 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Mississippi federal student loan borrowers’ average debt is $37,606.^{Footnote [1]}
• Mississippi ranks fourth in the prevalence of federal student loan debt. Roughly 14.8% of Mississippi’s 2.9 million state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• While Mississippi has some of the highest student debt levels in the country, it’s the second least educated state. Less than 23% of Mississippi residents over 24 hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• 8% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 58% of students graduating from Mississippi schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $29,714 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Missouri

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Missouri is $29.7 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Missouri borrowers’ average federal student loan debt is $35,904.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 6.2 million people live in Missouri. Roughly 13.4% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 11% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 56% of students graduating from Missouri schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $28,713 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Montana

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Montana is $4.3 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Montana federal student loan borrowers’ average debt is $34,046.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 1.1 million people live in Montana. Roughly 11.4% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 7% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 55% of students graduating from Montana schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $27,114 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Nebraska

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Nebraska is $8 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Nebraska borrowers’ average federal student loan debt comes to $32,573.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 2 million people live in Nebraska. Roughly 12.5% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 8% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 60% of students graduating from Nebraska schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $26,781 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Nevada

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Nevada is $11.9 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Nevada federal student loan borrowers’ average debt is $34,058.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 3.1 million people live in Nevada. Roughly 11.1% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 5% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 46% of students graduating from Nevada schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• Nevada ranks fourth among the states where 2020 graduates had the lowest average debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, Nevada’s Class of 2020 graduated with $21,357 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• Nevada ranks fourth among least expensive tuition for in-state students at public four-year schools.^{Footnote [17]}

Student Loan Debt in New Hampshire

• The total federal student loan debt balance in New Hampshire is $6.5 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• New Hampshire borrowers’ average federal student loan debt is $34,373.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 1.4 million people live in New Hampshire. Roughly 13.6% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 5% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 70% of students graduating from New Hampshire schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• Class of 2020 graduates from New Hampshire have the highest average debt at graduation with $39,928 in average federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in New Jersey

• The total federal student loan debt balance in New Jersey is $43.3 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• New Jersey borrowers’ average federal student loan debt is $36,301.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 9.3 million people live in New Jersey. Roughly 12.9% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 5% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 63% of students graduating from New Jersey schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $35,117 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in New Mexico

• The total federal student loan debt balance in New Mexico is $7.8 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• The average federal student loan debt among borrowers in New Mexico is $34,407.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 2.1 million people live in New Mexico. Roughly 10.7% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 6% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 45% of students graduating from New Mexico schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• New Mexico ranks second in states where 2020 grads had the lowest debt. On average, students graduated with $20,868 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in New York

• The total federal student loan debt balance in New York is $93.9 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• New York borrowers’ average federal student loan debt is $38,400.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 19.8 million people live in New York. Roughly 12.3% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 10% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 54% of students graduating from New York schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $30,951 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• In New York City, predominantly Black and Latino/a neighborhoods face greater barriers to debt repayment. In these neighborhoods, roughly 16% of borrowers are past due on their student loan debts compared to 8% of borrowers in mostly white and Asian neighborhoods.^{Footnote [16]}
• New York City four-year schools with the highest share of Black students correspond to schools where students are least able to repay student loans.^{Footnote [16]}

Student Loan Debt in North Carolina

• The total federal student loan debt balance in North Carolina is $49.8 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• North Carolina borrowers’ federal student loan debt averages $38,287.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 10.6 million people live in North Carolina. Roughly 12.3% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 10% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 55% of students graduating from North Carolina schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $29,681 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in North Dakota

• The total federal student loan debt balance in North Dakota is $2.6 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• North Dakota has the second lowest average federal student debt among borrowers. North Dakota borrowers’ average debt is $29,885.^{Footnote [1]}
• Compared to other states, North Dakota has the fifth lowest federal student loan debt per capita.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• About 775,000 people live in North Dakota. Roughly 11.2% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 5% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 66% of students graduating from North Dakota schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $31,939 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Ohio

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Ohio is $62.6 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Ohio borrowers’ average federal student loan debt is $35,240.^{Footnote [1]}
• Ohio ranks third highest in prevalence of student loan debt. About 11.8 million people live in Ohio. Roughly 15.1% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 8% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 59% of students graduating from Ohio schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $30,605 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Oklahoma

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Oklahoma is $15.6 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Oklahoma federal student loan borrowers’ average debt is $32,125.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 4 million people live in Oklahoma. Roughly 12.2% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 10% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 50% of students graduating from Oklahoma schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $27,876 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Oregon

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Oregon is $20.2 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Oregon borrowers’ average federal student loan debt comes to $37,560.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 4.2 million people live in Oregon. Roughly 12.7% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 8% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 53% of students graduating from Oregon schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $26,504 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Pennsylvania

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Pennsylvania is $65.3 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Federal student loan borrowers in Pennsylvania hold an average debt of $36,103.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 13 million people live in Pennsylvania. Roughly 14% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 7% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 64% of students graduating from Pennsylvania schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• Pennsylvania ranks third when it comes to highest average debt among graduates. On average, Pennsylvania’s Class of 2020 graduated with $39,375 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Puerto Rico

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Puerto Rico is $9.5 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Puerto Rico has lower federal student debt per capita and average student debt than any state.^{Footnote [1]}
• Puerto Rico borrowers’ average federal student loan debt is $28,946.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 3.3 million people live in Puerto Rico. Roughly 10.1% of residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 11% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}

Student Loan Debt in Rhode Island

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Rhode Island is $4.7 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Rhode Island borrowers hold the country’s fourth largest average federal student loan debt. The average debt is $32,936.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 1.1 million people live in Rhode Island. Roughly 13% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 7% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 64% of students graduating from Rhode Island schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $36,791 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in South Carolina

• South Carolina ranks in the top five states with the highest federal student loan debt per capita, highest average student loan debt, and highest prevalence of student loan debt.
• The total federal student loan debt balance in South Carolina is $28.4 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• South Carolina federal student loan borrowers’ average debt is $38,915.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 5.2 million people live in South Carolina. Roughly 14% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 9% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 60% of students graduating from South Carolina schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $32,635 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in South Dakota

• The total federal student loan debt balance in South Dakota is $3.7 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• South Dakota has some of the lowest average student debt in the country. South Dakota borrowers’ average federal student loan debt is $31,979.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 895,000 people live in South Dakota. Roughly 12.9% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 5% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 73% of students graduating from South Dakota schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $32,029 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Tennessee

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Tennessee is $31.7 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Tennessee borrowers’ average federal student debt is $36,869.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 7 million people live in Tennessee. Roughly 12.3% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 9% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 53% of students graduating from Tennessee schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $26,852 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Texas

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Texas is $121.8 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Texas federal student loan borrowers’ average debt is $33,442.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 29.5 million people live in Texas. Roughly 12.3% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 8% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [1]}
• It’s estimated that 52% of students graduating from Texas schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [1]}
• On average, students graduated with $26,273 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [1]}

Student Loan Debt in Utah

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Utah is $10.2 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Utah has the second lowest federal student loan debt per capita.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• About 3.3 million people live in Utah. Roughly 9.2% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• Federal student loan borrowers in Utah hold an average debt of $33,214.^{Footnote [1]}
• 6% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 39% of students graduating from Utah schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• 2020 graduates in Utah had the lowest average debt at graduation.
• On average, Utah’s Class of 2020 graduated with $18,344 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Vermont

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Vermont is $2.9 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Vermont borrowers’ average federal student loan debt is $37,760.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 646,000 people live in Vermont. Roughly 11.9% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 7% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 57% of students graduating from Vermont schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $34,866 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Virginia

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Virginia is $43 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Virginia has some of the highest average federal student loan debt among borrowers. Virginia borrowers’ average debt is $39,892.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 8.6 million people live in Virginia. Roughly 12.5% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 5% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 55% of students graduating from Virginia schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $29,616 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Washington

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Washington is $28.2 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Federal student loan borrowers in Washington hold an average debt of $36,025.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 7.7 million people live in Washington. Roughly 10.1% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 6% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 47% of students graduating from Washington schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $23,993 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Washington, D.C.

• Washington, D.C., tops all our highest debt lists. It has more debt per capita, a higher average debt among borrowers, and a greater percentage of residents with student loan debt than any state.
• The total federal student loan debt balance in the District of Columbia is $6.5 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Federal student loan borrowers’ average debt in Washington, D.C., is $55,508.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 670,050 people live in the District of Columbia. Roughly 17.5% of residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 7% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 46% of the District of Columbia’s Class of 2020 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $32,966 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in West Virginia

• The total federal student loan debt balance in West Virginia is $7.3 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• West Virginia borrowers’ average federal student debt is $32,330.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 1.8 million people live in West Virginia. Roughly 12.7% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 6% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 66% of students graduating from West Virginia schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $29,208 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Wisconsin

• The total federal student loan debt balance in Wisconsin is $23.5 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Wisconsin borrowers’ average federal student debt comes to $32,576.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 5.9 million people live in Wisconsin. Roughly 12.2% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 10% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 63% of students graduating from Wisconsin schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $30,270 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

Student Loan Debt in Wyoming

• Wyoming has some of the lowest levels of student debt in the country, including:
  • The lowest federal student loan debt per capita
  • The fourth lowest average federal student debt
  • The fourth lowest prevalence of federal student debt
  • The fifth lowest average debt at graduation
• The total federal student loan debt balance in Wyoming is $1.7 billion.^{Footnote [1]}
• Wyoming federal student loan borrowers’ average debt is $31,365.^{Footnote [1]}
• About 579,000 people live in Wyoming. Roughly 9.5% of state residents hold federal student loan debt.^{Footnote [1], Footnote [2]}
• 7% of student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due on payments, including federal and private loans.^{Footnote [18]}
• It’s estimated that 48% of students graduating from Wyoming schools in 2019-20 graduated with debt.^{Footnote [3]}
• On average, students graduated with $23,510 in federal and private student loan debt.^{Footnote [3]}

References

1. Federal Student Loan Portfolio: By Location, Federal Student Aid, an Office of the U.S. Department of Education. ↑
2. Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for the United States, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021 (NST-EST2021-POP). U.S. Census Bureau. December 2021. ↑
3. Student Debt and the Class of 2020: Excel Spreadsheet. The Institute for College Access and Success. November 2021. ↑
4. Federal Student Loan Portfolio: By Age, Federal Student Aid, an Office of the U.S. Department of Education. Accessed July 2022. ↑
5. Cilluffo, Anthony. 5 Facts About Student Loans. Pew Research Center. August 2019. ↑
6. Scott-Clayton, Judith and Li, Jing. Black-white disparity in student loan debt more than triples after graduation. Brookings. October 2016. ↑
7. Federal Student Loan Portfolio: Summary, Federal Student Aid, an Office of the U.S. Department of Education. ↑
8. American Community Survey. S1501 Educational Attainment: 2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables. U.S. Census Bureau. Accessed July 2022. ↑
9. Quick Facts: District of Columbia. Census Bureau. March 2022. ↑
10. Quick Facts: Puerto Rico. Census Bureau. March 2022. ↑
11. Quick Facts: United States. Census Bureau. March 2022. ↑
12. Title IV Program Volume Reports: 2020-2021 New Disbursements by Location. Federal Student Aid, an Office of the U.S. Department of Education. March 2022. ↑
13. Quick Facts: United States, North Dakota, Hawaii, Alaska, Utah, Wyoming. Census Bureau. June 2022. ↑
14. Quick Facts: United States, South Carolina, Mississippi, Maryland, Georgia, District of Columbia. Census Bureau. June 2022. ↑
15. Lee, Jennifer. How Student Debt Worsens Racial Inequality. Georgia Budget and Policy Institute. (Using U.S. Department of Education Data.) November 2020. ↑
16. Unequal Burden: Black Borrowers and the Student Loan Debt Crisis. New York City Department of Consumer Affairs. July 2020. ↑
17. Table 330.20. Average undergraduate tuition, fees, room, and board charges for full-time students in degree-granting postsecondary institutions, by control and level of institution and state or jurisdiction: 2018-19 and 2019-20. National Center for Education Statistics. April 2021. ↑
18. Student Loan Borrowing by State. Federal Reserve Bank of New York Consumer Credit Panel/Equifax. Accessed July 2022. ↑