America, we have a student loan crisis brewing—and it’s about to boil over. The federal government has begun reinstating its debt collection strategies after years of pandemic-related leniency, and predictably, millions of borrowers are feeling the heat. But let’s be clear: holding individuals accountable for debts they willingly assumed is not oppression—it’s common sense.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, student loan repayments were largely put on pause. This unprecedented decision provided temporary relief, but it also fostered complacency among borrowers who assumed the reprieve would become permanent. Now, as the Trump administration rightly restores accountability, an alarming number of borrowers have fallen into late-stage delinquency, according to recent TransUnion data. The situation is dire, yes—but the consequences of inaction would be far worse.
The numbers speak volumes. TransUnion reports that as of April 2025, a staggering 31 percent of borrowers with payments due are classified as “late-stage delinquent,” meaning they’re at least 90 days behind in repayments. This is nearly triple the pre-pandemic figure from February 2020, which was just 11.7 percent. Furthermore, a disturbing 5 million borrowers have gone over 360 days without making a single payment, already sinking into default status. Another 4 million hover dangerously close, overdue by 91 to 180 days.
This isn’t just a borrower problem; it’s an American taxpayer problem. Every unpaid loan shifts the burden onto hardworking taxpayers who had no say in someone else’s financial choices. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon put it bluntly in her recent Wall Street Journal piece: “Borrowers who don’t make payments on time will see their credit scores go down, and in some cases their wages automatically garnished.”
New analysis by credit bureau TransUnion found that as of April, 31 percent of student loan borrowers, the highest ever recorded, with a payment due are classed as being in “late-stage delinquency,” meaning they have payments that are at least 90 days late. Two months earlier in February, 20.5 percent of borrowers were reported being three months late on payments.
The left will undoubtedly cry foul, calling for blanket forgiveness or endless deferments. But let’s remember: personal responsibility and accountability aren’t just conservative values—they’re American values. When did it become controversial to expect individuals to honor their commitments? Taxpayers didn’t sign on to foot the bill for someone else’s master’s degree in gender studies or liberal arts. Borrowers willingly entered into these loan agreements, and it’s past time they take ownership of that responsibility.
Republicans in the Senate have already proposed meaningful reforms through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, aimed at fundamentally restructuring the federal loan repayment system. Such reforms include clearer repayment terms, more transparent interest calculations, and incentives for universities to tie tuition rates to real-world job outcomes. These are sensible, America First policies designed to fix a broken system, not merely paper over its failures.
Yet, despite tangible solutions on the table, delinquent borrowers continue to face sharp declines in credit scores—on average, about 60 points when they fall behind, according to TransUnion. Soon, many will face wage garnishment and severe credit repercussions. While painful, these consequences are necessary reminders that financial obligations cannot be ignored indefinitely.
“We continue to see more and more federal student loan borrowers being reported as the 90+ days delinquent,” Michele Raneri, vice president at TransUnion, pointed out, cautioning that the situation could worsen further in the coming months. This trajectory underscores the importance of immediate, structural reform.
The left claims compassion in their calls for forgiveness—but true compassion is empowering people with financial literacy and personal accountability. The Biden-era policy of indefinite deferment only kicked the can down the road, leaving borrowers unprepared for reality. Trump’s administration is right to put an end to this cycle and reintroduce fiscal discipline into the equation.
America thrives when its citizens embrace responsibility, not when they expect perpetual bailouts. Our nation was built on accountability, personal initiative, and fiscal prudence. It’s high time we returned to these principles. Let borrowers shoulder the responsibilities they undertook—and let taxpayers breathe a sigh of relief.
