District residents have the highest student debts in the nation. More than 1 in 4 student loan borrowers in the District owe greater than $80,000 in student debt, and more than 1 in 7 are past due on their federal loans. This burden of student debt affects the day-to-day lives of District residents, making it harder for them to take important steps like buying a house, starting a family, or opening a business.