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Student Loan Debt in Red States vs. Blue States

  • <p>It's no secret that <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/category/loans/student/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:student loan debt;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">student loan debt</a> has plagued career-driven students and post-graduates across the fifty states for the last forty years. According to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, from 1980 to 2020, the average price of tuition and other fees such as board and textbooks has increased a whopping 169%. That's an extreme hike in price for a system meant to prepare students for a career. </p> <p><strong>Check Out: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/money/economy/how-far-salary-goes-major-cities/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How Far a $100,000 Salary Goes in America's 50 Largest Cities;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">How Far a $100,000 Salary Goes in America's 50 Largest Cities</a></strong><br><strong>Try This: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/what-to-do-if-you-owe-back-taxes-to-the-irs-1808611/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Owe Money to the IRS? Most People Don't Realize They Should Do This One Thing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Owe Money to the IRS? Most People Don't Realize They Should Do This One Thing</a></strong></p> <p>When creating a list for student loan debt in each state, we must consider the factors why certain states are higher than others, and these reasons are typically higher education, state policies, the <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/category/money/economy/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:economic;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">economic</a> landscape of that state, and many other causes. To find these numbers, data was sourced from the <a href="https://scholaroo.com/report/student-loan-debt-index/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Student Loan Index;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Student Loan Index</a> of 2023 for the most recent figures on amount of student loan debt per state.</p> <p>GoBankingRates then used these numbers to compare states and numbers with the political voting results from the 2020 presidential election to see if there was a correlation between student debt and political leanings. Turns out there might be. Please see the analysis at the end of the gallery for the consensus on the data. Here's the list:</p> <p><small>Image Credits: Kameleon007 / iStock.com</small></p>
    1/51

    The Most Affordable Community Colleges In Every State In 2024

    It's no secret that student loan debt has plagued career-driven students and post-graduates across the fifty states for the last forty years. According to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, from 1980 to 2020, the average price of tuition and other fees such as board and textbooks has increased a whopping 169%. That's an extreme hike in price for a system meant to prepare students for a career.

    Check Out: How Far a $100,000 Salary Goes in America's 50 Largest Cities
    Try This: Owe Money to the IRS? Most People Don't Realize They Should Do This One Thing

    When creating a list for student loan debt in each state, we must consider the factors why certain states are higher than others, and these reasons are typically higher education, state policies, the economic landscape of that state, and many other causes. To find these numbers, data was sourced from the Student Loan Index of 2023 for the most recent figures on amount of student loan debt per state.

    GoBankingRates then used these numbers to compare states and numbers with the political voting results from the 2020 presidential election to see if there was a correlation between student debt and political leanings. Turns out there might be. Please see the analysis at the end of the gallery for the consensus on the data. Here's the list:

    Image Credits: Kameleon007 / iStock.com

    Kameleon007 / iStock.com
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $37,000</li> </ul> <p><strong>Be Aware: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/planning/retirement-planning-how-much-average-person-65-older-spends-monthly/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Retirement Planning: How Much the Average Person 65 and Older Spends Monthly;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Retirement Planning: How Much the Average Person 65 and Older Spends Monthly</a></strong><br><strong>Learn More: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/planning/ways-frugal-retirees-spend-their-social-security-checks/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:9 Ways Frugal Retirees Spend Their Social Security Checks;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">9 Ways Frugal Retirees Spend Their Social Security Checks</a></strong></p> <p><small>Image Credits: RobHainer / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    2/51

    Alabama (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $37,000

    Be Aware: Retirement Planning: How Much the Average Person 65 and Older Spends Monthly
    Learn More: 9 Ways Frugal Retirees Spend Their Social Security Checks

    Image Credits: RobHainer / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    RobHainer / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $34,000</li> </ul> <p><strong>Read More: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/social-security/illinois-worst-places-for-couple-to-live-on-only-social-security-check/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:10 Worst Places in Illinois for a Couple To Live on Only a Social Security Check;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">10 Worst Places in Illinois for a Couple To Live on Only a Social Security Check</a></strong> </p> <p><small>Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    3/51

    Arkansas (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $34,000

    Read More: 10 Worst Places in Illinois for a Couple To Live on Only a Social Security Check

    Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $38,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: iStock.com</small></p>
    4/51

    Florida (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $38,000

    Image Credits: iStock.com

    ©iStock.com
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $33,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: shanecotee / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    5/51

    Idaho (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $33,000

    Image Credits: shanecotee / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    shanecotee / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $33,000</li> </ul> <p><strong>Learn How: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/money/economy/a-150k-income-is-lower-middle-class-in-these-high-cost-cities/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:A $150K Income Is 'Lower Middle Class' In These High-Cost Cities;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">A $150K Income Is 'Lower Middle Class' In These High-Cost Cities</a></strong></p> <p><small>Image Credits: William Reagan / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    6/51

    Indiana (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $33,000

    Learn How: A $150K Income Is 'Lower Middle Class' In These High-Cost Cities

    Image Credits: William Reagan / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    William Reagan / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $31,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: traveler1116 / iStock.com</small></p>
    7/51

    Iowa (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $31,000

    Image Credits: traveler1116 / iStock.com

    traveler1116 / iStock.com
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $33,000</li> </ul> <p><strong>Learn About: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/shopping/ways-shopping-at-costco-helps-retirees-stick-to-a-budget/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:7 Ways Shopping at Costco Helps Retirees Stick To a Budget;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">7 Ways Shopping at Costco Helps Retirees Stick To a Budget</a></strong></p> <p><small>Image Credits: TriggerPhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    8/51

    Kansas (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $33,000

    Learn About: 7 Ways Shopping at Costco Helps Retirees Stick To a Budget

    Image Credits: TriggerPhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    TriggerPhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $33,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: alexeys / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    9/51

    Kentucky (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $33,000

    Image Credits: alexeys / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    alexeys / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $35,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: Meinzahn / Getty Images</small></p>
    10/51

    Louisiana (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $35,000

    Image Credits: Meinzahn / Getty Images

    Meinzahn / Getty Images
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $37,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / iStock.com</small></p>
    11/51

    Mississippi (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $37,000

    Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / iStock.com

    DenisTangneyJr / iStock.com
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $36,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: Art Wager / iStock.com</small></p>
    12/51

    Missouri (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $36,000

    Image Credits: Art Wager / iStock.com

    Art Wager / iStock.com
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $34,000</li> </ul> <p><strong>See This: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/planning/how-trump-win-2024-could-impact-your-retirement-savings/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How a Trump Win in 2024 Could Impact Your Retirement Savings;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">How a Trump Win in 2024 Could Impact Your Retirement Savings</a></strong></p> <p><small>Image Credits: constantgardener / Getty Images</small></p>
    13/51

    Montana (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $34,000

    See This: How a Trump Win in 2024 Could Impact Your Retirement Savings

    Image Credits: constantgardener / Getty Images

    constantgardener / Getty Images
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $32,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: f1monaco31 / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    14/51

    Nebraska (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $32,000

    Image Credits: f1monaco31 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    f1monaco31 / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $30,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images</small></p>
    15/51

    North Dakota (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $30,000

    Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

    DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $38,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    16/51

    North Carolina (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $38,000

    Image Credits: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $35,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: benedek / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    17/51

    Ohio (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $35,000

    Image Credits: benedek / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    benedek / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $32,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    18/51

    Oklahoma (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $32,000

    Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $39,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    19/51

    South Carolina (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $39,000

    Image Credits: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $32,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: stevegeer / Getty Images/Vetta</small></p>
    20/51

    South Dakota (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $32,000

    Image Credits: stevegeer / Getty Images/Vetta

    stevegeer / Getty Images/Vetta
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $37,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: Lorraine Boogich / Getty Images</small></p>
    21/51

    Tennessee (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $37,000

    Image Credits: Lorraine Boogich / Getty Images

    Lorraine Boogich / Getty Images
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $33,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: TrongNguyen / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    22/51

    Texas (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $33,000

    Image Credits: TrongNguyen / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    TrongNguyen / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $33,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: Eloi_Omella / Getty Images</small></p>
    23/51

    Utah (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $33,000

    Image Credits: Eloi_Omella / Getty Images

    Eloi_Omella / Getty Images
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $32,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    24/51

    West Virginia (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $32,000

    Image Credits: Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $31,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: Dean_Fikar / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    25/51

    Wyoming (Red)

    • Average student loan debt: $31,000

    Image Credits: Dean_Fikar / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Dean_Fikar / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $35,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    26/51

    Arizona (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $35,000

    Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $37,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    27/51

    California (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $37,000

    Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $37,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: Kyle Allingham / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    28/51

    Colorado (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $37,000

    Image Credits: Kyle Allingham / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Kyle Allingham / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $35,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    29/51

    Connecticut (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $35,000

    Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $38,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: benkrut / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    30/51

    Delaware (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $38,000

    Image Credits: benkrut / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    benkrut / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $42,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: Michael Warren / Getty Images</small></p>
    31/51

    Georgia (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $42,000

    Image Credits: Michael Warren / Getty Images

    Michael Warren / Getty Images
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $37,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: jimfeng / Getty Images</small></p>
    32/51

    Hawaii (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $37,000

    Image Credits: jimfeng / Getty Images

    jimfeng / Getty Images
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $38,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    33/51

    Illinois (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $38,000

    Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $33,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: krblokhin / Getty Images</small></p>
    34/51

    Maine (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $33,000

    Image Credits: krblokhin / Getty Images

    krblokhin / Getty Images
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $43,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: Alexander Farnsworth / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    35/51

    Maryland (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $43,000

    Image Credits: Alexander Farnsworth / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Alexander Farnsworth / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $35,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    36/51

    Massachusetts (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $35,000

    Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $36,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: pawel.gaul / Getty Images</small></p>
    37/51

    Michigan (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $36,000

    Image Credits: pawel.gaul / Getty Images

    pawel.gaul / Getty Images
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $34,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: jimkruger / Getty Images</small></p>
    38/51

    Minnesota (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $34,000

    Image Credits: jimkruger / Getty Images

    jimkruger / Getty Images
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $34,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: vernonwiley / Getty Images</small></p>
    39/51

    Nevada (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $34,000

    Image Credits: vernonwiley / Getty Images

    vernonwiley / Getty Images
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $34,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    40/51

    New Hampshire (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $34,000

    Image Credits: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $36,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: stockcam / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    41/51

    New Jersey (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $36,000

    Image Credits: stockcam / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    stockcam / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $34,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: ivanastar / iStock.com</small></p>
    42/51

    New Mexico (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $34,000

    Image Credits: ivanastar / iStock.com

    ivanastar / iStock.com
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $38,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: bloodua / iStock.com</small></p>
    43/51

    New York (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $38,000

    Image Credits: bloodua / iStock.com

    bloodua / iStock.com
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $37,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: GarysFRP / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    44/51

    Oregon (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $37,000

    Image Credits: GarysFRP / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    GarysFRP / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $36,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: drnadig / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    45/51

    Pennsylvania (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $36,000

    Image Credits: drnadig / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    drnadig / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $33,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    46/51

    Rhode Island (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $33,000

    Image Credits: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $38,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: XKarDoc / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    47/51

    Vermont (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $38,000

    Image Credits: XKarDoc / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    XKarDoc / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $39,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: AppalachianViews / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    48/51

    Virginia (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $39,000

    Image Credits: AppalachianViews / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    AppalachianViews / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $36,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: benedek / Getty Images</small></p>
    49/51

    Washington (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $36,000

    Image Credits: benedek / Getty Images

    benedek / Getty Images
  • <ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $32,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: Ron and Patty Thomas / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    50/51

    Wisconsin (Blue)

    • Average student loan debt: $32,000

    Image Credits: Ron and Patty Thomas / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Ron and Patty Thomas / Getty Images/iStockphoto
  • <p>This comparison shows the overwhelming issue of student loan debt across America. While it may seem almost futile to compare the politics of red states versus blue when looking at student loan debt, it turns out that there is ultimately a noticeable difference.</p> <p>Blue states, particularly those in the Northeast and along the Pacific Coast, tend to have higher average student loan debts. This could be attributed to the higher cost of living and potentially higher tuition rates at colleges and universities in these states. On the other hand, red states, especially those in the Midwest and Mountain West, show somewhat lower average debts, which might reflect lower costs of living and possibly more conservative borrowing habits.</p> <p>However, the highest student loan debt is found in Maryland, a blue state, with an average of $43,000, indicating that students in some blue states may face particularly steep financial challenges post-graduation.</p> <p><small>Image Credits: Douglas Rissing / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
    51/51

    Analysis

    This comparison shows the overwhelming issue of student loan debt across America. While it may seem almost futile to compare the politics of red states versus blue when looking at student loan debt, it turns out that there is ultimately a noticeable difference.

    Blue states, particularly those in the Northeast and along the Pacific Coast, tend to have higher average student loan debts. This could be attributed to the higher cost of living and potentially higher tuition rates at colleges and universities in these states. On the other hand, red states, especially those in the Midwest and Mountain West, show somewhat lower average debts, which might reflect lower costs of living and possibly more conservative borrowing habits.

    However, the highest student loan debt is found in Maryland, a blue state, with an average of $43,000, indicating that students in some blue states may face particularly steep financial challenges post-graduation.

    Image Credits: Douglas Rissing / Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Douglas Rissing / Getty Images/iStockphoto
<p>It's no secret that <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/category/loans/student/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:student loan debt;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">student loan debt</a> has plagued career-driven students and post-graduates across the fifty states for the last forty years. According to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, from 1980 to 2020, the average price of tuition and other fees such as board and textbooks has increased a whopping 169%. That's an extreme hike in price for a system meant to prepare students for a career. </p> <p><strong>Check Out: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/money/economy/how-far-salary-goes-major-cities/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How Far a $100,000 Salary Goes in America's 50 Largest Cities;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">How Far a $100,000 Salary Goes in America's 50 Largest Cities</a></strong><br><strong>Try This: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/what-to-do-if-you-owe-back-taxes-to-the-irs-1808611/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Owe Money to the IRS? Most People Don't Realize They Should Do This One Thing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Owe Money to the IRS? Most People Don't Realize They Should Do This One Thing</a></strong></p> <p>When creating a list for student loan debt in each state, we must consider the factors why certain states are higher than others, and these reasons are typically higher education, state policies, the <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/category/money/economy/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:economic;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">economic</a> landscape of that state, and many other causes. To find these numbers, data was sourced from the <a href="https://scholaroo.com/report/student-loan-debt-index/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Student Loan Index;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Student Loan Index</a> of 2023 for the most recent figures on amount of student loan debt per state.</p> <p>GoBankingRates then used these numbers to compare states and numbers with the political voting results from the 2020 presidential election to see if there was a correlation between student debt and political leanings. Turns out there might be. Please see the analysis at the end of the gallery for the consensus on the data. Here's the list:</p> <p><small>Image Credits: Kameleon007 / iStock.com</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $37,000</li> </ul> <p><strong>Be Aware: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/planning/retirement-planning-how-much-average-person-65-older-spends-monthly/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Retirement Planning: How Much the Average Person 65 and Older Spends Monthly;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Retirement Planning: How Much the Average Person 65 and Older Spends Monthly</a></strong><br><strong>Learn More: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/planning/ways-frugal-retirees-spend-their-social-security-checks/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:9 Ways Frugal Retirees Spend Their Social Security Checks;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">9 Ways Frugal Retirees Spend Their Social Security Checks</a></strong></p> <p><small>Image Credits: RobHainer / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $34,000</li> </ul> <p><strong>Read More: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/social-security/illinois-worst-places-for-couple-to-live-on-only-social-security-check/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:10 Worst Places in Illinois for a Couple To Live on Only a Social Security Check;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">10 Worst Places in Illinois for a Couple To Live on Only a Social Security Check</a></strong> </p> <p><small>Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $38,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: iStock.com</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $33,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: shanecotee / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $33,000</li> </ul> <p><strong>Learn How: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/money/economy/a-150k-income-is-lower-middle-class-in-these-high-cost-cities/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:A $150K Income Is 'Lower Middle Class' In These High-Cost Cities;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">A $150K Income Is 'Lower Middle Class' In These High-Cost Cities</a></strong></p> <p><small>Image Credits: William Reagan / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $31,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: traveler1116 / iStock.com</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $33,000</li> </ul> <p><strong>Learn About: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/shopping/ways-shopping-at-costco-helps-retirees-stick-to-a-budget/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:7 Ways Shopping at Costco Helps Retirees Stick To a Budget;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">7 Ways Shopping at Costco Helps Retirees Stick To a Budget</a></strong></p> <p><small>Image Credits: TriggerPhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $33,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: alexeys / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $35,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: Meinzahn / Getty Images</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $37,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / iStock.com</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $36,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: Art Wager / iStock.com</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $34,000</li> </ul> <p><strong>See This: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/planning/how-trump-win-2024-could-impact-your-retirement-savings/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How a Trump Win in 2024 Could Impact Your Retirement Savings;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">How a Trump Win in 2024 Could Impact Your Retirement Savings</a></strong></p> <p><small>Image Credits: constantgardener / Getty Images</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $32,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: f1monaco31 / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $30,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $38,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $35,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: benedek / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $32,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $39,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $32,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: stevegeer / Getty Images/Vetta</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $37,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: Lorraine Boogich / Getty Images</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $33,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: TrongNguyen / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $33,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: Eloi_Omella / Getty Images</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $32,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $31,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: Dean_Fikar / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $35,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $37,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $37,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: Kyle Allingham / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $35,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $38,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: benkrut / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $42,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: Michael Warren / Getty Images</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $37,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: jimfeng / Getty Images</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $38,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $33,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: krblokhin / Getty Images</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $43,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: Alexander Farnsworth / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $35,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $36,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: pawel.gaul / Getty Images</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $34,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: jimkruger / Getty Images</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $34,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: vernonwiley / Getty Images</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $34,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $36,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: stockcam / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $34,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: ivanastar / iStock.com</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $38,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: bloodua / iStock.com</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $37,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: GarysFRP / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $36,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: drnadig / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $33,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $38,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: XKarDoc / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $39,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: AppalachianViews / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $36,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: benedek / Getty Images</small></p>
<ul> <li>Average student loan debt: $32,000</li> </ul> <p><small>Image Credits: Ron and Patty Thomas / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
<p>This comparison shows the overwhelming issue of student loan debt across America. While it may seem almost futile to compare the politics of red states versus blue when looking at student loan debt, it turns out that there is ultimately a noticeable difference.</p> <p>Blue states, particularly those in the Northeast and along the Pacific Coast, tend to have higher average student loan debts. This could be attributed to the higher cost of living and potentially higher tuition rates at colleges and universities in these states. On the other hand, red states, especially those in the Midwest and Mountain West, show somewhat lower average debts, which might reflect lower costs of living and possibly more conservative borrowing habits.</p> <p>However, the highest student loan debt is found in Maryland, a blue state, with an average of $43,000, indicating that students in some blue states may face particularly steep financial challenges post-graduation.</p> <p><small>Image Credits: Douglas Rissing / Getty Images/iStockphoto</small></p>
GOBankingRates

It's no secret that student loan debt has plagued career-driven students and post-graduates across the fifty states for the last forty years. According to the Georgetown University Center on Education...