This research brief highlights five key findings about student loan borrowers from the Fall 2024 Student Financial Wellness Survey, exemplified by real student stories shared in their own words. By examining learners’ experiences through the lens of their borrowing behavior, we glean insights into the complex relationship between their finances, academic experiences, long-term goals, and day-to-day responsibilities. To dive deeper into these results—based on a qualitative analysis of over 14,000 write-in responses—readers can also download the full-length report from Trellis Strategies: “A step forward toward brighter opportunities”: Learners’ perspectives on student loan borrowing.
