Challenges and solutions for student loans

Tom Russo

Student loans are one of the largest consumer debt asset classes in the US, with roughly USD1.68 trillion in outstandings as of Q1–2020. Student loans are unsecured and are designed to help borrowers cover expenses such as tuition, books and supplies for post-secondary education. In the US, there are two main types of student loans: federal student loans and private student loans. Federal student loans represent the majority of outstanding student loan debt, and account for approximately 92% of the total student loan debt outstanding, while private student loans represent the remaining portion (see Figures 8.1 and 8.2).

Federal student loans have limited underwriting criteria and have been originated by the federal government under the Federal Direct Student Loan Program since July 1, 2010. These loans are held directly by the federal government, and CECL is not applicable. Previously, federal student loans were issued by private lenders under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program, with most of these loans being guaranteed by the federal government. CECL is applicable to FFEL loans, but the impact is rather minor due to the federal guarantee that insures private