Core Insights - TransUnion's analysis indicates a record number of federal student loan borrowers are 90 or more days past due, with many at risk of defaulting soon [1][6] Delinquency Rates - As of April 2025, 31.0% of federal student loan borrowers are 90+ days past due, a significant increase from 20.5% in February 2025 and nearly triple the 11.7% rate in February 2020 [2][4] - The April 2025 delinquency rate is the highest recorded, showing only a modest increase from March 2025's 30.6% [3][5] Borrower Impact - Approximately 5.8 million federal student loan borrowers are reported as 90+ days past due, with only 0.3% currently in default [6] - An estimated 1.8 million of these borrowers could reach default status by July 2025, with an additional one million in August and two million in September [7] Credit Score Effects - Newly delinquent borrowers have experienced an average credit score drop of 60 points, with many shifting down at least one risk tier [2][8] - More than 20% of borrowers reported as 90+ DPD were in prime or above credit risk tiers before delinquency, but fewer than 2% remain in those tiers afterward [8][9] Recommendations for Borrowers - Borrowers at risk of default are encouraged to contact their loan servicers to explore options such as income-driven repayment plans or loan rehabilitation programs [8]