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The Distributional Effects of Student Loan Forgiveness

Author

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  • Sylvain Catherine

    (University of Pennsylvania - Wharton School of Business)

  • Constantine Yannelis

    (University of Chicago - Booth School of Business)

Abstract

We study the distributional consequences of student debt forgiveness in present value terms, accounting for differences in repayment behavior across the earnings distribution. Full or partial forgiveness is regressive because high earners took larger loans, but also because, for low earners, balances greatly overstate present values. Consequently, forgiveness would benefit the top decile as much as the bottom three deciles combined. Blacks and Hispanics would also benefit substantially less than balances suggest. Enrolling households who would benefit from income-driven repayment is the least expensive and most progressive policy we consider.

Suggested Citation

  • Sylvain Catherine & Constantine Yannelis, 2020. "The Distributional Effects of Student Loan Forgiveness," Working Papers 2020-169, Becker Friedman Institute for Research In Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:bfi:wpaper:2020-169
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    1. Mallick Hossain & Igor Livshits & Collin Wardius, 2023. "Not Cashing In on Cashing Out: An Analysis of Low Cash-Out Refinance Rates," Working Papers 23-04, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
    2. Lourie, Ben & Nekrasov, Alexander & Yoo, Il Sun, 2023. "The impact of debt forbearance on borrowers’ financial behavior and labor outcomes: Evidence from student loans," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 57(C).

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • H52 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Education
    • H81 - Public Economics - - Miscellaneous Issues - - - Governmental Loans; Loan Guarantees; Credits; Grants; Bailouts
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality

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