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Student Loan Defaults Rise After Pandemic Protections End
Approximately 9.5 million federal student loan borrowers, representing one in five, have entered default status. This occurs after they miss payments for nine months or more. The increase follows the expiration of pandemic-era payment pauses.
08/19/2026 · South Dakota edition
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Why it matters locally: The increase in federal student loan defaults could impact a significant portion of South Dakota's population, as many residents likely hold federal student loans, potentially affecting personal finances and regional economic stability.
Federal student loan borrowers have entered default in significant numbers since pandemic-era protections ended. Approximately 9.5 million individuals, or one in five federal student loan borrowers, are now in default. This status applies to borrowers who have not made payments for more than nine months. This rise in defaults follows the conclusion of temporary measures that had suspended federal student loan payments and interest accrual for an extended period.Related Topics
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