What a High Debt-to-Earnings Ratio Really Means

As the ratio of debt to earnings climbs, every other outcome gets worse — graduation rates fall, loan repayment stalls, and earnings shrink.

Median Earnings (10yr)

Median Grad Debt

Graduation Rate

3-Yr Loan Repayment Rate

Earnings vs. Debt

Graduation & Repayment Rates

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Nov 2025) · 1,628 institutions grouped by debt-to-earnings ratio