Student Loans and Financial Stress in the United States

In 2023, as the federal pause on student loan payments and 0% interest rates officially ended, NEFE partnered with AmeriSpeak and SurveyUSA to measure the financial fallout. This poll analyzed the impact of reinstating payments on U.S. adults and student loan holders, examining increases in budget strain, debt anxiety, payment stress, and changes in behavior, such as delaying purchases, tapping savings, or adjusting priorities. The findings reveal which demographics were hardest hit and shed light on how student debt burdens intersect with financial stress, mental well-being, and long-term financial decisions across households.