Student Loan Delinquency Rate Surges to 25%
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 20 2026
0mins
Should l Buy NAVI?
Source: CNBC
- Delinquency Rate Surge: Research from The Century Foundation reveals that nearly 25% of student loan borrowers were delinquent in the first three quarters of 2025, a significant increase from 9% in 2019, indicating the adverse impact of Trump administration policies on borrowers' repayment capabilities.
- Rising Borrower Numbers: Approximately 7.9 million student loan borrowers entered delinquency in the first three quarters of 2025, which not only affects their credit scores but also hinders their ability to achieve life milestones such as home and car ownership.
- Credit Score Decline: The study estimates that around 2 million delinquent borrowers have seen their credit scores drop to an average of 580 from 680, significantly below the acceptable range, which will directly impact their future borrowing ability and costs.
- Severe Issues in Southern States: The analysis indicates that states like Louisiana and Mississippi have delinquency rates nearing 40%, with over 48% of Black borrowers being delinquent, highlighting significant racial disparities in repayment capabilities that could exacerbate socioeconomic inequalities.
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Analyst Views on NAVI
Wall Street analysts forecast NAVI stock price to rise
7 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
3 Hold
3 Sell
Moderate Sell
Current: 8.990
Low
11.00
Averages
13.00
High
18.00
Current: 8.990
Low
11.00
Averages
13.00
High
18.00
About NAVI
Navient Corporation provides technology-enabled education finance solutions. The Company's businesses include Federal Education Loans and Consumer Lending. The Company's Federal Education Loans business includes owning and managing Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) Loans and is the master servicer on this portfolio. Its Consumer Lending business includes owning and managing Private Education Loans and is the master servicer for these portfolios. The Company, through its Earnest brand, also refinances and originates in-school Private Education Loans. The Company helps students and families on the planning and paying for college journey. Its digital tools empower people to find scholarships and compare financial aid offers.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Federal Judge Dismisses Trump Administration's Challenge to SAVE Student Loan Plan
- Legal Challenge Dismissed: U.S. District Judge John Ross dismissed the Trump administration's multi-state lawsuit against the SAVE student loan repayment plan, ensuring millions of borrowers can access lower monthly payments and expedited forgiveness, highlighting the legal protection for borrower rights.
- Borrower Benefits: As of Q4, over 7 million student loan borrowers are enrolled in the SAVE plan, and although they were in forbearance during legal challenges, their loans have been accruing interest since August, indicating the plan provides significant financial relief under economic pressures.
- Repayment Plan Advantages: The SAVE plan allows borrowers with loans of $12,000 or less to qualify for forgiveness after 10 years, significantly shortening the repayment timeline compared to other income-driven repayment plans that typically require 20 to 25 years, enhancing borrowers' financial flexibility.
- Future Uncertainty: While the court ruling offers temporary protection for the SAVE plan, the Trump administration's intention to phase it out by July 1, 2028, introduces uncertainty regarding future policies, which could impact borrowers' long-term financial planning.
See More
Navient Settlement Checks for Student Loan Borrowers to Be Issued Soon
- Settlement Overview: Navient reached a $120 million settlement with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau due to improper steering of student loan borrowers, with checks expected to be issued to at least 100,000 borrowers to help mitigate financial harm caused by high interest rates.
- Eligibility Criteria: Borrowers who had federal student loans placed in forbearance in 2017 or earlier qualify for compensation, with the CFPB responsible for identifying these borrowers and managing fund distribution to ensure transparency and fairness in the compensation process.
- Expected Compensation Amounts: Historical data analysis suggests that borrowers may receive compensation ranging from several hundred dollars to $2,000, reflecting the significant financial impact of forbearance on borrowers, particularly as loan balances can increase substantially due to accruing interest.
- Financial Impact of Forbearance: Data indicates that the average loan amount in forbearance with Navient was around $43,000 in March 2017, with interest accumulation potentially increasing debt by nearly $3,000 each year, underscoring the importance of selecting an affordable repayment plan.
See More
Accelerating Career Transitions: 64% of American Workers Change Occupations
- Career Transition Trend: According to Indeed, 64% of workers who changed jobs between 2022 and 2024 switched occupations, indicating increased workplace mobility and a reevaluation of career paths.
- Remote Work Appeal: A FlexJobs report reveals that around 70% of workers considered or actually switched careers in the past year, primarily driven by the desire for more fulfilling work and remote options, highlighting a shift in work preferences.
- AI Impact: Experts predict that career transitions will accelerate as artificial intelligence expands in the workplace, leading many to prioritize human-centric skills like creativity and complex problem-solving, which AI cannot easily replicate, thus prompting a reevaluation of career trajectories.
- Reassessment of Education Value: Erik Brynjolfsson, an economics professor at Stanford, notes that families are reassessing the value of a four-year college degree, encouraging more cautious career choices to avoid becoming dispensable in the age of AI.
See More
Navient Declares $0.16 Quarterly Dividend with 6.83% Yield
- Dividend Declaration: Navient has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.16 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating the company's ongoing ability to maintain stable cash flow, which is likely to attract income-seeking investors.
- Yield Competitiveness: The forward yield of 6.83% is competitive in the current market environment, potentially increasing investor interest in the stock and enhancing its price performance.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend is payable on March 20, with a record date of March 6 and an ex-dividend date also on March 6, providing investors with a clear timeline for their investment decisions.
- Growth Target: Navient aims for a 60% increase in loan origination to $4 billion by 2026, and this strategic realignment alongside expense reductions is expected to bolster the company's long-term profitability.
See More
Navient Declares Q1 2026 Dividend of $0.16 per Share
- Dividend Declaration: Navient's board has approved a Q1 2026 dividend of $0.16 per share, reflecting the company's commitment to shareholder returns and likely boosting investor confidence in its financial stability.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend will be paid on March 20, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 6, 2026, ensuring timely benefits for eligible shareholders and reinforcing the company's relationship with its investors.
- Company Overview: Navient focuses on helping students and families manage the costs of higher education, creating long-term value through responsible lending and flexible refinancing, showcasing its expertise and market position in educational finance.
- Employee Culture: Navient emphasizes employee growth within a culture of belonging, committed to delivering meaningful outcomes, reflecting the company's focus on employee satisfaction and corporate social responsibility.
See More
Student Loan Delinquency Rate Surges to 25%
- Delinquency Rate Surge: Research from The Century Foundation reveals that nearly 25% of student loan borrowers were delinquent in the first three quarters of 2025, a significant increase from 9% in 2019, indicating the adverse impact of Trump administration policies on borrowers' repayment capabilities.
- Rising Borrower Numbers: Approximately 7.9 million student loan borrowers entered delinquency in the first three quarters of 2025, which not only affects their credit scores but also hinders their ability to achieve life milestones such as home and car ownership.
- Credit Score Decline: The study estimates that around 2 million delinquent borrowers have seen their credit scores drop to an average of 580 from 680, significantly below the acceptable range, which will directly impact their future borrowing ability and costs.
- Severe Issues in Southern States: The analysis indicates that states like Louisiana and Mississippi have delinquency rates nearing 40%, with over 48% of Black borrowers being delinquent, highlighting significant racial disparities in repayment capabilities that could exacerbate socioeconomic inequalities.
See More
Federal Judge Dismisses Trump Administration's Challenge to SAVE Student Loan Plan
- Legal Challenge Dismissed: U.S. District Judge John Ross dismissed the Trump administration's multi-state lawsuit against the SAVE student loan repayment plan, ensuring millions of borrowers can access lower monthly payments and expedited forgiveness, highlighting the legal protection for borrower rights.
- Borrower Benefits: As of Q4, over 7 million student loan borrowers are enrolled in the SAVE plan, and although they were in forbearance during legal challenges, their loans have been accruing interest since August, indicating the plan provides significant financial relief under economic pressures.
- Repayment Plan Advantages: The SAVE plan allows borrowers with loans of $12,000 or less to qualify for forgiveness after 10 years, significantly shortening the repayment timeline compared to other income-driven repayment plans that typically require 20 to 25 years, enhancing borrowers' financial flexibility.
- Future Uncertainty: While the court ruling offers temporary protection for the SAVE plan, the Trump administration's intention to phase it out by July 1, 2028, introduces uncertainty regarding future policies, which could impact borrowers' long-term financial planning.
See More
Navient Settlement Checks for Student Loan Borrowers to Be Issued Soon
- Settlement Overview: Navient reached a $120 million settlement with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau due to improper steering of student loan borrowers, with checks expected to be issued to at least 100,000 borrowers to help mitigate financial harm caused by high interest rates.
- Eligibility Criteria: Borrowers who had federal student loans placed in forbearance in 2017 or earlier qualify for compensation, with the CFPB responsible for identifying these borrowers and managing fund distribution to ensure transparency and fairness in the compensation process.
- Expected Compensation Amounts: Historical data analysis suggests that borrowers may receive compensation ranging from several hundred dollars to $2,000, reflecting the significant financial impact of forbearance on borrowers, particularly as loan balances can increase substantially due to accruing interest.
- Financial Impact of Forbearance: Data indicates that the average loan amount in forbearance with Navient was around $43,000 in March 2017, with interest accumulation potentially increasing debt by nearly $3,000 each year, underscoring the importance of selecting an affordable repayment plan.
See More
Accelerating Career Transitions: 64% of American Workers Change Occupations
- Career Transition Trend: According to Indeed, 64% of workers who changed jobs between 2022 and 2024 switched occupations, indicating increased workplace mobility and a reevaluation of career paths.
- Remote Work Appeal: A FlexJobs report reveals that around 70% of workers considered or actually switched careers in the past year, primarily driven by the desire for more fulfilling work and remote options, highlighting a shift in work preferences.
- AI Impact: Experts predict that career transitions will accelerate as artificial intelligence expands in the workplace, leading many to prioritize human-centric skills like creativity and complex problem-solving, which AI cannot easily replicate, thus prompting a reevaluation of career trajectories.
- Reassessment of Education Value: Erik Brynjolfsson, an economics professor at Stanford, notes that families are reassessing the value of a four-year college degree, encouraging more cautious career choices to avoid becoming dispensable in the age of AI.
See More
Navient Declares $0.16 Quarterly Dividend with 6.83% Yield
- Dividend Declaration: Navient has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.16 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating the company's ongoing ability to maintain stable cash flow, which is likely to attract income-seeking investors.
- Yield Competitiveness: The forward yield of 6.83% is competitive in the current market environment, potentially increasing investor interest in the stock and enhancing its price performance.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend is payable on March 20, with a record date of March 6 and an ex-dividend date also on March 6, providing investors with a clear timeline for their investment decisions.
- Growth Target: Navient aims for a 60% increase in loan origination to $4 billion by 2026, and this strategic realignment alongside expense reductions is expected to bolster the company's long-term profitability.
See More
Navient Declares Q1 2026 Dividend of $0.16 per Share
- Dividend Declaration: Navient's board has approved a Q1 2026 dividend of $0.16 per share, reflecting the company's commitment to shareholder returns and likely boosting investor confidence in its financial stability.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend will be paid on March 20, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 6, 2026, ensuring timely benefits for eligible shareholders and reinforcing the company's relationship with its investors.
- Company Overview: Navient focuses on helping students and families manage the costs of higher education, creating long-term value through responsible lending and flexible refinancing, showcasing its expertise and market position in educational finance.
- Employee Culture: Navient emphasizes employee growth within a culture of belonging, committed to delivering meaningful outcomes, reflecting the company's focus on employee satisfaction and corporate social responsibility.
See More
Student Loan Delinquency Rate Surges to 25%
- Delinquency Rate Surge: Research from The Century Foundation reveals that nearly 25% of student loan borrowers were delinquent in the first three quarters of 2025, a significant increase from 9% in 2019, indicating the adverse impact of Trump administration policies on borrowers' repayment capabilities.
- Rising Borrower Numbers: Approximately 7.9 million student loan borrowers entered delinquency in the first three quarters of 2025, which not only affects their credit scores but also hinders their ability to achieve life milestones such as home and car ownership.
- Credit Score Decline: The study estimates that around 2 million delinquent borrowers have seen their credit scores drop to an average of 580 from 680, significantly below the acceptable range, which will directly impact their future borrowing ability and costs.
- Severe Issues in Southern States: The analysis indicates that states like Louisiana and Mississippi have delinquency rates nearing 40%, with over 48% of Black borrowers being delinquent, highlighting significant racial disparities in repayment capabilities that could exacerbate socioeconomic inequalities.
See More
