Published: May 18, 2026, 18:01 IST | Updated: May 18, 2026, 18:01 IST
United States is witnessing a sharp rise in student loan defaults, with bad debt reportedly reaching a record $171 billion. Economists warn that more Americans are struggling to keep up with repayments amid rising living costs, higher interest rates, and financial uncertainty. The growing number of delinquencies is raising concerns about long-term economic pressure on younger generations, household spending, and the broader U.S. financial system.