Federal Student Loan Defaults Reached 9 Million Borrowers by March 2026
Federal Student Aid data through March 31, 2026 counted approximately 9 million borrowers holding $220 billion in defaulted federal loans, a rise of roughly 1.3 million during the quarter alone. An additional 3.5 million borrowers in active repayment were more than 30 days delinquent, with 1.4 million at risk of default within six months. The article details how involuntary collections remain paused, what the two new repayment plans opening July 1 require, and the three paths available to defaulted borrowers seeking to restore their standing.