Getting a college education has become almost as expensive as buying a house, according to a report by WalletHub.
Student loans now total $1.5 triillion, making them the second highest form of household debt after mortgages. Three times as many students are graduating in 2019 with $50,000 or more in student loans than they did in 2000.
"High balances combined with a payoff timeline that lasts into middle age force many graduates to significantly delay or forego other financial goals such as saving for retirement or buying a home," the report said.
Some places make it easier for college graduates to pay off their debt, while other cities make it harder. To determine the top 10 cities where graduates have the worst chance of paying off their student loan, WalletHub compared the median student loan balance against the median earnings of adults aged 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree in each of 2,510 U.S. cities.
Below, in ascending order, are WalletHub’s 10 cities with the most student debt:
10. Dacula, Ga.
There is a 78.69 percent ratio between the median student debt of $20,655 and the median earnings of $26,250 for those with a bachelor’s degree.
9. Austell, Ga.
There is a 78.74 percent ratio between the median student debt of $25,146 and the median earnings of $31,935.
8. Murray, Kentucky
There is a 78.79 percent ratio between the median student debt of $21,555 and the median earnings of $27,356 for Murray college graduates with a bachelor’s degree.
7. Elizabeth City, N.C.
There is an 80.67 percent ratio between the median student debt of $24,339 and the median earnings of $30,172.
6. Lady Lake, Fla.
There is an 81.04 percent ratio between the median student debt of $27,290 and the median earnings of $33,675.
5. Waycross, Ga.
There is an 81.21 percent ratio between the median student debt of $17,994 and the median earnings of $22,158.
4. East Liverpool, Ohio
There is an 83.1 percent ratio here between the median student debt of $18,466 and the median earnings of $22,222.
3. Palatka, Fla.
There is an 83.37 percent ratio between the median student debt of $21,487 and the median earnings of $25,772.
2. Green Valley, Ariz.
There is an 84.39 percent ratio between the median student debt of $20,464 and median earnings of $24,250.
1. Sun City West, Ariz.
There is an 84.44 percent ratio between the median student debt of $17,771 and median earnings of $21,046.
The full report can be viewed here.
