Concerns rise among Americans with student loans – AICPA survey

A survey commissioned by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has revealed that a significant majority of Americans with personal student loans are anxious about their repayment prospects.

The findings indicate that 74% of respondents expressed varying degrees of worry regarding their ability to manage these financial obligations.

AICPA Personal Financial Planning senior manager Pamela Ladd said: “Student loans are more than a monthly payment – they are a long-term financial commitment.

“The fact that three-quarters of borrowers are worried about repaying their student loans underscores the urgent need for personalised financial planning. These concerns aren’t just numbers – they reflect real stress that can derail financial stability.”

The survey, which was carried out online by the Harris Poll on behalf of the AICPA on 21–25 August 2025, included responses from 2,087 adults aged 18 and older.

It found that 22% of Americans either have personal student loans or have taken out loans for their children’s education.

Additionally, more than half of those with personal or parent loans (53%) reported that these financial commitments impact their ability to save for future goals including retirement.

Among parents of children with student loans, 70% expressed concern about their child(ren)’s capacity to repay them.

The data also indicated that 55% of individuals with personal or parent student loans had previously deferred their loans, which are now due for repayment.

For parents with children holding student loans, 49% reported similar deferral situations.

The demographic analysis of personal student loan holders showed that 37% are aged 18–34, 27% are aged 35–44 and 25% are aged 45–54.

In response to these findings, the AICPA has offered guidance for managing student loan repayments.

Recommendations include ensuring that loan providers have current contact information, understanding the specifics of the loan and repayment options, and developing a financial strategy to facilitate timely payments.

Borrowers are also advised to consider making early and additional payments when feasible.

AICPA Personal Financial Specialist Credential Committee member Laura Brown said: “Families who are behind in retirement savings or even emergency fund savings struggle with saving for college at all, and given the high cost of education, loans are sometimes necessary to bridge the gap.

“Implementing an aggressive repayment strategy can help ease the stress of a high expense period of life.”

The AICPA is a professional association for certified public accountants, with a membership of 397,000.

“Concerns rise among Americans with student loans – AICPA survey” was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand.

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