This infographic studies the increase in delinquent student loans and tries to explain this unfortunate fad.
For the first time in history, the delinquency rate on student loans is higher than on credit cards. For those who aren't familiar with the term, it basically refers to defaulted loans. This means that there are more people unable to pay back their student loans than people unable to pay back their credit card debt.
Total outstanding student debt in the United States numbers over $956 billion. The average student debt balance has increased from approximately $15,000 in 2005 to close to $25,000 in 2012. This means more students across the board are deeper in debt due to student loans than ever before. This is the kind of pattern leading to more delinquent student loans.
Soaring Student Loan Statistics
This Chart Explores the Rise in Delinquent Student Loans
Trend Themes
1. Rising Student Loan Delinquency - The increase in delinquent student loans signifies a need for disruptive innovation in the student loan industry to address the financial struggles of students.
2. Rising Average Student Debt Balances - The sharp increase in average student debt balance creates the opportunity for disruptive innovation in student debt management to help students manage their debt after graduation.
3. Growing Total Student Debt - The growing total student debt indicates the need for disruptive innovation in education financing to provide more affordable and accessible options for students.
Industry Implications
1. Student Loan Industry - The rise in delinquent student loans presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the loan industry to offer better repayment options and prevent loan defaults.
2. Higher Education Industry - The increasing average student debt balances highlight the need for disruptive innovation in the higher education industry to provide more affordable education options for students.
3. Financial Technology Industry - The growing total student debt and increasing delinquency rates present opportunities for disruptive innovation in financial technology to provide better debt management tools and solutions for students.