 TITLE: Student Loan Debt Delinquency by Age CONTENT: Borrowers Ages 35 to 49 Carry the Highest Delinquent Balances\n-------------------------------------------------------------\nIn addition to seeing the largest growth in their overall direct loan balance, consumers ages 35 to 49 are also struggling the most when it comes to paying back their debt on time. The age group consistently has the highest amount past due in all five delinquency stages, according to data from the DOE.\nA total of $15.5 billion in direct loans held by borrowers ages 35 to 49 was newly delinquent (31 to 90 days late). That's more than double the amount of newly delinquent debt held by 50- to 61-year-olds.\nSource: U.S. Department of Education END