Quick Answer
Aggregate U.S. student loan debt has trended above $1.7 trillion in recent reports - the second largest household debt category after mortgages.
Key Takeaways
- Federal loans dominate the total.
- Income-driven repayment is a large share of repayment volume.
- Delinquency patterns reset during recent pauses.
Federal vs. Private
The vast majority of outstanding student loan debt is federally held; private student loans are a smaller share but typically have less flexible terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to verify totals?
Aggregate balances are published by the U.S. Department of Education and the Federal Reserve.