Core Viewpoint - The end of the federal student loan repayment pause has led to a significant increase in default rates, posing a risk not only to individuals but also to the broader U.S. economy [1][2][4]. Group 1: Default Rates and Credit Impact - In the first quarter of this year, 5.6 million borrowers began to default on their student loans, with the default rate soaring from 0.7% in Q4 of the previous year to 8% [2][3]. - Among the new defaulters, 2 million had credit scores between 620-719, and 400,000 had scores above 720, with average score drops of 140 and 177 points respectively [2][3]. - Many borrowers were unaware of the repayment resumption due to a lack of communication from loan servicers, leading to sudden drops in credit scores [2][3]. Group 2: Economic Implications - Morgan Stanley estimates that the monthly repayment burden will increase by $10 billion to $30 billion, which will squeeze consumer spending and potentially reduce U.S. GDP by 0.1% in 2025 [1][4]. - The situation may worsen as approximately 8 million borrowers are enrolled in the SAVE plan, which is facing legal challenges, delaying their repayment obligations [4]. Group 3: Vulnerable Borrowers - The most affected borrowers are those from two-year or for-profit institutions, or those who dropped out without a degree, facing higher default risks and often coming from economically fragile backgrounds [5]. - In Mississippi, 45% of student loan borrowers are in default, highlighting the correlation between poverty rates and loan repayment difficulties [5].