More than 9 million student loan borrowers now in default

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

25 across the spectrum. Choose a side on the bar to jump to it.

National story. 37 articles from 25 sources. Updated Jul 22, 2026.

Part of Trump's overhaul of student loans, from collections to new repayment rules

How each side is putting it

Left

9 sources
Money Talks NewsLean Left· Jul 22, 2026

Student Loan Defaults Hit Record High. Borrowers Need to Act ASAP.

The Boston GlobeLean Left· Jul 20, 2026

Student loan default rates surge since lapse of pandemic-era protections

Ran by 9 outlets across the spectrum· PBS NewsHour, Los Angeles Times, +3 more
PBS NewsHourLean Left· Jul 20, 2026

A wave of student loan borrowers have entered default since pandemic-era protections lapsed

Los Angeles TimesLean Left· Jul 20, 2026

A wave of student loan borrowers have entered default since pandemic-era protections lapsed

The Boston GlobeLean Left· Jul 20, 2026

A wave of student loan borrowers have entered default since pandemic-era protections lapsed

Philadelphia InquirerLean Left· Jul 20, 2026

A wave of student loan borrowers have entered default since pandemic-era protections lapsed

Kokomo TribuneLean Left· Jul 20, 2026

A wave of student loan borrowers have entered default since pandemic-era protections lapsed

Seattle TimesLean Left· Jul 20, 2026

A wave of student loan borrowers has entered default since pandemic-era protections lapsed

Ran by 5 outlets across the spectrum· Philadelphia Inquirer, Seattle Times, +1 more
Philadelphia InquirerLean Left· Jul 20, 2026

As defaults on student loans surge, millions are trying to get their lives back on track

Seattle TimesLean Left· Jul 20, 2026

As defaults on student loans surge, millions are trying to get their lives back on track

Philadelphia InquirerLean Left· Jul 20, 2026

As defaults on student loans surge, millions are trying to get their lives back on track

Kokomo TribuneLean Left· Jul 20, 2026

As defaults on student loans surge, millions are trying to get their lives back on track

Center

12 sources
CBS NewsCenter· Jul 22, 2026

More than 9 million student loan borrowers now in default

News Nation NowCenter· Jul 21, 2026

Student loan defaults have surged in record-breaking debt crisis

Arkansas Democrat-GazetteCenter· Jul 21, 2026

Student loans see defaults hit record

NewsweekCenter· Jul 20, 2026

Student Loan Defaults Hit Record High—What Struggling Borrowers Can Do

Ran by 9 outlets across the spectrum· The Columbian, Anchorage Daily News, +1 more
The ColumbianCenter· Jul 20, 2026

A wave of student loan borrowers have entered default since pandemic-era protections lapsed

Anchorage Daily NewsCenter· Jul 20, 2026

A wave of student loan borrowers have entered default since pandemic-era protections lapsed

WTOP Washington DCCenter· Jul 20, 2026

A wave of student loan borrowers have entered default since pandemic-era protections lapsed

Right

4 sources
FOX BusinessLean Right· Jul 21, 2026

Student loan default rates surge, 1 in 5 borrowers now in default

New York PostLean Right· Jul 20, 2026

Millions try to get their lives back on track, as defaults on student loans surge

End Time HeadlinesLean Right· Jul 20, 2026

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

Jonesboro SunLean Right· Jul 20, 2026· ran in 9 outlets

A wave of student loan borrowers have entered default since pandemic-era protections lapsed

Jonesboro SunLean Right· Jul 20, 2026· ran in 5 outlets

As defaults on student loans surge, millions are trying to get their lives back on track

The story so far

3 developments
  1. Jul 19Only center coverage:Record number of student loan borrowers have entered default since pandemic-era protections lapsed
  2. Jul 20A wave of student loan borrowers have entered default since pandemic-era protections lapsed
  3. Jul 22More than 9 million student loan borrowers now in default

Who covered each development

No new developments

Quiet for 87 days

Last development · Jul 22 — More than 9 million student loan borrowers now in default

The bigger story