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(NEXSTAR) – The amount of student loan debt in the United States is on a steady rise, reaching an astonishing $32.4 billion by the close of 2025.
A recent analysis by SmartAsset reveals that this financial burden impacts approximately 12.55% of adults who are currently managing student loans. On average, these individuals carry a debt load of about $37,000 each.
Yet, the financial strain varies significantly from state to state, with some regions experiencing more severe debt burdens.
Maryland tops the list with the highest average student loan debt, where borrowers owe more than $45,000 each.
Close behind are Georgia with an average debt of around $43,000, followed by Virginia at $41,410, Florida at $40,697, and Delaware at $40,290.
Here are the 20 states that have the most student loan debt on average in the country.
| Rank | State | Average Student Loan Balance for Borrowers | Population with Student Loan Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $45,173 | 13.6% |
| 2 | Georgia | $43,276 | 15.4% |
| 3 | Virginia | $41,410 | 12.5% |
| 4 | Florida | $40,697 | 11.8% |
| 5 | Delaware | $40,290 | 13.1% |
| 6 | Illinois | $40,243 | 12.8% |
| 7 | New York | $40,207 | 12.5% |
| 8 | North Carolina | $39,914 | 12.6% |
| 9 | Hawaii | $39,788 | 8.5% |
| 10 | South Carolina | $39,715 | 14.4% |
| 11 | California | $39,503 | 10.1% |
| 12 | Oregon | $39,147 | 12.4% |
| 13 | New Jersey | $38,816 | 13.1% |
| 14 | Alabama | $38,772 | 13.0% |
| 15 | Vermont | $38,583 | 11.8% |
| 16 | Mississippi | $38,574 | 15.5% |
| 17 | Colorado | $38,387 | 13.1% |
| 18 | Tennessee | $38,179 | 12.5% |
| 19 | Michigan | $38,153 | 13.7% |
| 20 | Connecticut | $38,002 | 14.2% |
As you’d probably expect, the age of these residents plays a role in who owes the most money. Those who are between the ages of 25 and 34 owe the largest average student loan debt at $38,393.
Location also plays a part in the percentage of the population that currently has student loan debt.
At the top of the list for population percentage are several southeastern U.S. states: Mississippi (15.5%), Georgia (15.4%), and Louisiana (15.1%).
To see the full study and how your state stacks up in terms of student loan debt, check out SmartAsset’s website.