Survey Results: What Your Goals and Tax Refund Really Tell Us About Student Loan Borrowers in 2026

We surveyed our borrowers in Q1 2026 about their goals, their progress, and how they’re approaching this tax season.

Nearly 8 in 10 set a financial goal this year, and paying down debt was far and away the top priority. More than half are on track or ahead of schedule; but for those who aren’t, two obstacles came up again and again: high monthly payments and income limitations, each cited by 1 in 4 respondents.

When it comes to tax refunds, the answers were equally telling. The top two planned uses were paying down debt and catching up on bills. Only 1 in 5 said their refund feels like a real step forward. For most, it’s just breathing room, and not a meaningful breakthrough.

What was your new year’s resolution?

If you could change one thing financially this year, what would it be?