Which demographic carries the greatest college debt?

I'm trying to understand the complexities of student loans and college debt. I was wondering, which demographic group carries the most college debt? Any info would be appreciated, thanks!

In the United States, the demographic carrying the greatest college debt is often graduate students pursuing advanced degrees, such as law, medicine, or business degrees. These degrees can be quite costly, leading these individuals to have a higher average student loan balance.

In terms of race and ethnicity, Black and African American students often carry a higher student loan debt. According to studies, Black graduates have nearly $25,000 more student loan debt than white students on graduating. This discrepancy continues to grow even after graduation due to factors like wage gaps and access to wealth-building resources.

Gender can also play a role. According to the American Association of University Women (AAUW), women hold nearly two-thirds of the outstanding student debt in the United States, equating to almost $929 billion as of early 2020. This is because women tend to earn less than men post-graduation, making it harder for them to pay off their loans quickly.

Finally, students from low-income families or first-generation college students can also face substantial financial challenges and may carry a higher amount of student loan debt.

It's important to remember that the factors contributing to these disparities are many and interwoven, ranging from systemic issues, discrimination, differing opportunities for scholarships and grants, and differences in financial literacy. Awareness and reform in policies can be key in addressing these discrepancies and providing fair and equitable access to education.