Student Loan Delinquencies Fall Sharply Across Most States As Repayment Stabilizes
By CU Today Staff —
MIAMI--Student loan delinquency rates declined in most states during the first quarter of 2026, according to a new WalletHub analysis, suggesting borrowers are making progress in keeping up with payments after the end of the pandemic-era payment moratorium.
Using proprietary data comparing Q4 2025 with Q1 2026, WalletHub found Wyoming posted the nation's largest improvement, with the share of delinquent student loans falling 59.8%. Vermont ranked second with a 37.1% decline, followed by Idaho at 35.5%, Rhode Island at 33.4% and Alaska at 31.2%. Ohio ranked 19th, with student loan delinquency falling 19.4% during the quarter.
Only two states moved in the opposite direction. Arkansas saw the share of delinquent student loans increase 12.3%, while Kentucky posted the largest increase nationally at 24.2%. Hawaii recorded the smallest improvement, with delinquency declining just 0.3%.
WalletHub said the rankings are based on changes in the share of delinquent student loans between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, measuring where borrowers have made the greatest progress in returning to current payment status following the resumption of student loan repayment requirements.
Originally reported by CU Today.