Student loan delinquencies are on the rise after a relief period ended, with 10.2% of student debt more than 90 days delinquent in Q2 2025. Serious delinquency rate at 12.9% is the highest in 21 years. Missed payments are now affecting credit scores, leading to an uptick in delinquencies.

A COVID-19 relief package allowed borrowers to pause federal student loan payments, reducing interest rates to 0% and stopping missed payment reporting. After extensions, payments resumed in October 2023. Delinquencies, now on credit reports, have surged, with only about 35% of borrowers in current repayment.

Delinquencies have spiked among prime and super-prime borrowers who may be confused or inexperienced with budgeting. Average delinquent borrower age is over 40. A new era of defaults looms, signaling a troubling trend. Tips and tricks for quick loan repayment are available for struggling borrowers.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Student loan delinquencies are on the rise. Here’s why.