A Look at the Impact of Student Loan Debt on Illinois Borrowers as Pa…

Federal student loan payments have resumed for the first time in three years after a pandemic-related pause.

Many were hopeful for President Joe Biden’s $400 billion loan forgiveness plan — but a divided Supreme Court blocked those efforts, arguing the administration needed Congress’ endorsement before undertaking the costly program.

More than 1 million borrowers in Illinois are now navigating student debt amid high inflation.

For Pricilla Uriostegui, a 2020 graduate of National Louis University, it has meant postponing plans of furthering her education even more.

“It’s hard trying to get back into the world, not being able to pursue bigger things such as going back to school,” Uriostegui said. “Thinking back to how I struggled doing three jobs while going to school full-time and not wanting to continue to do that. I want to live a life where I could give back to my parents or just live a normal life.”

The average student loan debt for Illinoisans is nearly $38,000….