$50K & Beyond
Cancel Student Debt
The student debt crisis has a disproportionate impact on Black borrowers and their families. Across all racial groups, Black borrowers hold the most student loan debt despite also being consistently underserved by postsecondary institutions.
We're calling on our elected officials to cancel federal student loan debt. Cancelling $50,000 in student debt for Black borrowers would:
- Provide Black borrowers with opportunities to pursue homeownership
- Develop economy-boosting discretionary income
- Fuel upward mobility in the Black community and equitable efforts to close the racial wealth gap
Temporary student debt relief provided during the COVID-19 pandemic is set to expire after Jan. 31, 2022. It's time for elected officials take action and provide permanent relief.
Let's make it happen. Find resources, statistics, and stories below to join us in the push for student debt relief.
Share your student debt story
Why did you go after a college degree? How has student debt impacted your life? What would the cancellation of student debt mean to you?
Student debt impacts real people and has daily consequences. Add your story to the growing collection of reasons elected officials need to act to cancel student debt.
Storytelling Tips
Collecting your stories helps us humanize the issue of student debt relief because it's not just about the policy. It's about the people who will be impacted. There are many ways to share your story. No matter how you choose to share, be authentic, be brief, and help others understand the impact student debt has on individuals and the Black community as a whole.
Sound Off: Student Loan Debt Stories
Jessica H., Student Loan Borrower
"Being behind (on student loans) cost me better-paying jobs due to bad credit ratings and denied me the opportunity to advance myself in the job market."
Chance N., Student Debt Organizer
"My entire life has been impacted by student loan debt. I will never be able to afford a house of my own. I am a teacher and would like to pursue a doctorate. I have had to work two jobs for many years to make ends meet."
Gisele A., Student Loan Borrower
"I support free college and canceling student debt because it fosters an atmosphere of fairness and equality where everyone can thrive based on their individual dedication, not because they did not have the privilege to put their dedication to action."
Connect, Share, Advocate
Advocacy is in our DNA. Grab the tools you'll need to help make student debt relief and affordable education a starting point to a more equitable future.
Advocating to #CancelStudentDebt
In the News
NAACP Hosts Briefing with Senator Elizabeth Warren and Andre M. Perry in latest signal to Cancel Student Debt for Millions
Student loans, the racial wealth divide, and why we need full student debt cancellation
NAACP Calls on Biden Administration to Cancel Student Debt
NAACP President Pushes to Cancel Student Debt
Unmasking Student Debt
Thank You To Our Partners
At 28 years old, I can't afford to start a family, I can't afford to buy a home, I can't afford to volunteer in my community, and I can't afford to go to the doctor. All of these things are now considered luxuries that I simply can't afford at this point in my life. All of my resources are dedicated to paying off student loans and interest rates.
- Jessica P., Student Loan Borrower