Survey Results: What Financial Freedom Really Means to Student Loan Borrowers

What does financial freedom look like when you’re struggling with student debt?

Our recent survey reveals the emotional weight behind the numbers: 81.3% say less stress and anxiety about money feels most important, while 83.5% report that money stress is actively taking away their peace of mind. The struggle is real—58.3% are paying bills instead of saving, and only 3.4% say they’re doing okay financially.

When asked what success would look like this year, 60.4% simply want more breathing room in their budget. Perhaps most telling: when we asked borrowers what financial freedom would give them, the most common answers weren’t about luxury or wealth—they were about peace, breathing again, and getting their lives back.

Browse the full survey results to see where you fit in the data.

In your own words, what would financial freedom give you?

Large blue quotation mark; Mental, physical, spiritual, emotional and financial health. It would give me all of these things.” in gray; large blue quotation mark; Elizabeth G. Sample in green
Large blue quotation mark; "The ability to visit my mother and sister more often." in gray; large blue quotation mark; Asia Mcleod Ill in green
Large blue quotation mark; "More room to adjust to any 
financial 
situation.“ in gray; large blue quotation mark; Belinda Sites in green
Large blue quotation mark; "More motivation and ability to save.“ in gray; large blue quotation mark; Sheryl Tavares in green
Large blue quotation mark; "The ability to stand on my own two feet and no longer having to worry about relying on others to help keep me afloat.“ in gray; large blue quotation mark; Camwryn Henry in green
Large blue quotation mark; "My life back and to go back to school.“ in gray; large blue quotation mark; Jonna Huzsek Lightner in green
Large blue quotation mark; "… [to] not feel like I am chasing my tail. I would be able to plan ahead and some money in the bank. I would not be struggling and constantly worrying if I can provide for my children.“ in gray; large blue quotation mark; David Gale in green
Large blue quotation mark; "Breathing room, the ability to heal.“ in gray; large blue quotation mark; Amber Koronkiewicz in green
Large blue quotation mark; "Less stress to better my health and focus on staying cancer free.“ in gray; large blue quotation mark; Justin Sullivan in green
Large blue quotation mark; "…would uncuff me. I'm very tied to my job and lifestyle because they help me afford my bills, but without so much student loan debt, I could look for meaningful work and a better living environment.“ in gray; large blue quotation mark; Chelle Ewald in green
Large blue quotation mark; "…will allow me to be hopeful about my future and not feel stuck in a revolving door that neither goes in or out of any situation.“ in gray; large blue quotation mark; Julio Cesar Preciado in green
Large blue quotation mark; "The ability to actually buy a home and retire." in gray large blue quotation mark; Alex Hill in green
Large blue quotation mark; "I would be able to take care of my household without stress.“ in gray; large blue quotation mark; Mary Shelton in green
Large blue quotation mark; "Comfort knowing my kids won’t have to pay our bills.“ in gray; large blue quotation mark; Susan Lynn Church in green
Large blue quotation mark; "Less stress and anxiety." in gray; large blue quotation mark; Laura Lynn Martinez in green
Large blue quotation mark; "An actual life I’m happy to live." in gray; large blue quotation mark; Ezekiel Boyd in green
Large blue quotation mark; "The ability to feel like I can breathe." in gray; large blue quotation mark; Anna Noakes in green
Large blue quotation mark; "…peace of mind and just finding happiness within myself and [so] I don’t have nothing to worry about.“ in gray; large blue quotation mark; Shanill Lynette McNeill in green
Large blue quotation mark; "The ability to grow and support my family, and enjoy more time together without stress.“ in gray; large blue quotation mark; Dara Johnson in green
Large blue quotation mark; "Sleep. Less stress and anxiety. Be able to see my family.“ in gray; large blue quotation mark; Jared in green
Large blue quotation mark; "My mind and life back.“ in gray; large blue quotation mark; John Powers in green
Large blue quotation mark; "…peace of mind, new life, dominion over difficulties and hardship.“ in gray; large blue quotation mark; Adekunle Adesola in green
Large blue quotation mark; "The ability to plan for actual retirement. I am using my Social Security to pay my parent student loans. It consumes ALL of my benefit each month and there isn’t any relief it will be to the end of life.“ in gray; large blue quotation mark; unknown contact in green
Large blue quotation mark; "[get] our son’s student loan where it should be.“ in gray; large blue quotation mark; Steve Culpepper in green
Large blue quotation mark; "I could finally be able to 
save for a 
house/somewhere to live." in gray; large blue quotation mark; Ashton Butler in green