New analysis ranks U.S. cities where student loan debt is hardest to manage

Summary by The Midland Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Caresse Jackman, KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) · July 3, 2026 · 1 min read

(InvestigateTV) — Student loans are the second largest type of household debt after mortgages, totaling nearly $1.7 trillion nationally, according to a new WalletHub analysis.That figure works out to roughly $39,600 per borrower, said Chip Lupo, a writer and analyst at WalletHub.WalletHub compare...

Why this matters in The Midland

In Midland, where the cost of living can be high due to the thriving oil industry, managing student loan debt can be particularly challenging. The WalletHub analysis highlights the need for borrowers in our community to carefully consider their debt-to-income ratios. With median earnings for adults with bachelor's degrees in Midland likely influenced by the local economy, it's crucial for students and families to understand what they can realistically afford to repay. The recommendation to use a student loan calculator to estimate repayment terms is especially relevant in our area, where financial priorities can shift quickly due to industry fluctuations. By taking a proactive approach to managing student loan debt, Midland residents can avoid falling behind on payments and protect their credit scores, ultimately achieving greater financial stability in the long run. This is especially important for young professionals in our community who are just starting to build their careers.

About this story

Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: schools · Published: July 3, 2026 · Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) · Reading time: 1 min

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This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.

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This story was reported by Caresse Jackman at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards.

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Summary created by	The Midland Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	Caresse Jackman, KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 3, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

New analysis ranks U.S. cities where student loan debt is hardest to manage

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