Student loan borrowers worse off now than in the spring, survey finds

Student loan borrowers worse off now than in the spring, survey finds
More than half of borrowers surveyed claim poor or very poor financial wellness
DEC 07, 2020

Despite the recent announcement of a short-term extension suspending student loan payments and interest until January 31, 2021, student loan borrowers are worse off now than in the spring, and most are facing long-term challenges, a survey by a student-debt advocacy group has found.

A survey of 58,733 student loan borrowers during the first week of December by the group Student Debt Crisis and Savi, a social impact technology company, found that 77% of borrowers do not feel financially secure enough to resume payments on federal student loans until June 2021 or later.

The survey also found that 65% of borrowers are facing increased anxiety, depression or stress due to the burden of student loan debt during the Covid-19 pandemic, and that 52% of borrowers rate their current financial wellness as poor or very poor since the pandemic began in March. Only 21% rated their financial wellness as poor or very poor prior to the pandemic.

In addition, 35% of healthcare workers with student loan debt have experienced reduced work hours caused by the pandemic. Finally, the survey found borrowers of color are disproportionately likely to report missing a rent or mortgage payment, experience food insecurity and homelessness or be unable to afford healthcare and medicine during the pandemic due to their student loan payments.

The two groups conducted a similar survey in April.

Latest News

Stock rally stalls on mixed tariff signals, Jefferies strategist warns worse may be ahead
Stock rally stalls on mixed tariff signals, Jefferies strategist warns worse may be ahead

Markets digest latest words on trade war, Fed chair’s position.

Are you charging less than other advisors for subscription based advice?
Are you charging less than other advisors for subscription based advice?

More advisors are using subscription models for financial planning services.

Trump forced to U-turn as economic warnings intensify
Trump forced to U-turn as economic warnings intensify

From Powell to China, president eases back rhetoric.

Dollar slide raises red flags for corporate earnings
Dollar slide raises red flags for corporate earnings

And profit guidance is set to weaken further in coming quarters.

Dip-buyers boost bullion following steepest one-day drop this year
Dip-buyers boost bullion following steepest one-day drop this year

Gold trades above $3,330 amid mixed tariff signals.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.