“The student debt crisis has evolved far beyond a financial issue; it has become an emotional and psychological emergency affecting millions of Americans,” according to Student Debt Crossroads, a survey report released by the Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC) in October 2025.

The SDCC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating the voices of borrowers to influence public policy and ultimately end the student debt crisis. The organization argues that student debt should be recognized as a national crisis, as it affects millions of families across the country. According to BestColleges, approximately 42.7 million Americans currently hold federal student loan debt. The SDCC also reports that, as of this year, total student debt has exceeded $1.7 trillion.

National conversations about student debt tend to focus on numbers and policy wins, while the real human consequences often go unheard. To better understand this impact, the SDCC surveyed 5,976 borrowers nationwide to learn how student debt shapes their daily lives.

The findings are troubling. Most borrowers have limited knowledge of the student loan system, face growing financial insecurity, and report increasing distrust in the federal government.

In addition, the system overhaul created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has added even more confusion, and the current economic and political climate has only amplified borrower fear and fatigue.

The report shows that 73% of borrowers surveyed reported feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed about their student debt, and 67% said their student debt has caused financial burden and hardship.

For those facing wage garnishment or tax refund seizures, 72% said student debt limits their ability to save for retirement. Many reported that it prevents them from paying down other debts, and more than half struggle to afford basic necessities like food and housing.

Economic uncertainty is making matters worse: 81% of respondents are worried that the country’s economic situation will affect their ability to continue paying their student loans.

The impact is not only financial but also emotional and mental. Many people are forced to make impossible choices, such as deciding between paying their student loans and putting food on the table.

In light of these findings, it becomes evident that borrowers need reliable support and clear, accessible information. That’s why we invited Angel Renteria from the SDCC to join us on Empower Ed: A PIQE Podcast to break down these issues.

In this episode, Angel explains that the information provided by the SDCC is free, gives practical options and resources for borrowers, and warns about scams and how to avoid them.

He also underscores the growing financial strain many borrowers face, noting that student loan payments can be as high as a month’s rent. “With all the changes happening, student loan payments are only going to get more expensive,” Angel warns.

So what can borrowers do?

Tune in to the episode for clear, actionable guidance. Angel shares one of the simplest yet most powerful pieces of advice: borrow only what you truly need.