Delaware ranks 5th nationally for average student loan debt, with federal borrowers owing an average of roughly $38,856 — trailing only Maryland, Georgia, Virginia, and Florida. The average Delaware credit consumer carries about $62,870 in total debt overall, with student loans standing out as the category where Delaware genuinely diverges from the national norm.
Why Does Delaware Rank So High for Student Loan Debt?
Delaware’s ranking reflects a mix of factors common to the states at the top of this list: a relatively high concentration of graduate and professional degree holders, higher average tuition costs at the state’s institutions, and a workforce skewed toward finance, corporate law, and healthcare — fields where advanced degrees are common and expensive. Delaware’s federal student loan borrowers owe a combined $5.3 billion across roughly 136,400 people.
Mortgage Debt in Delaware
Mortgage debt averages $44,300 per credit consumer and $58,136 per homeowner — close to the national norm. Delaware’s homestead bankruptcy exemption protects $125,000 in home equity. Not doubled for married couples filing jointly. which covers most homeowners’ equity, though it’s more modest than some neighboring states.
Credit Card Debt in Delaware
Average credit card debt in Delaware runs around $4,120 per credit consumer, with a notably high delinquency rate — nearly 10% of Delaware’s total credit card debt balance is 90 or more days overdue, a meaningful warning sign about how many households are genuinely struggling to keep up.
Credit card debt is fully dischargeable in bankruptcy. Delaware’s personal property exemption was significantly expanded effective January 1, 2025: $25,000 in personal property or equity in real property other than your principal residence - a new, expanded allowance effective January 1, 2025, replacing a much smaller prior exemption. In joint cases, each spouse gets their own $25,000.
Student Loan Debt in Delaware
Delaware’s student loan numbers are genuinely notable — 5th highest average debt per borrower nationally, at roughly $38,856 to $40,290 depending on the exact measure used. Student loans are dischargeable in bankruptcy only through a separate adversary proceeding proving undue hardship, a standard most filers don’t meet; federal income-driven repayment plans remain the more practical route for most Delaware borrowers.
Auto Loan Debt in Delaware
Auto loan debt averages $5,680 per Delaware credit consumer — close to the national norm. Delaware’s vehicle exemption was also significantly expanded in 2025: $25,000 in equity in one vehicle (increased from $15,000 effective January 1, 2025). In joint cases, each spouse gets their own $25,000.
When Delaware’s Debt Numbers Cross the Line Into a Real Problem
Delaware’s own credit card delinquency data — nearly 1 in 10 dollars of card debt seriously overdue — is a clear signal that a meaningful share of households are past the point where the debt is simply “there” and into territory where it’s actively unmanageable. If minimum payments are consuming a growing share of income, that same pattern is playing out statewide.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Delaware can eliminate qualifying unsecured debt within months for filers who pass the means test. Chapter 13 offers a structured repayment path for filers with too much income to qualify for Chapter 7 or who need to catch up on a mortgage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Average Debt in Delaware
Does Delaware have high student loan debt?
Yes. Delaware ranks 5th nationally for average student loan debt per borrower, at roughly $38,856 to $40,290 depending on the measure used, trailing only Maryland, Georgia, Virginia, and Florida.
Why is credit card delinquency so high in Delaware?
Nearly 10% of Delaware’s total credit card debt balance is 90 or more days overdue — a notably high rate that suggests a meaningful share of households are struggling to keep up with payments, not just carrying routine balances.
Can bankruptcy eliminate credit card debt in Delaware?
Yes. Credit card debt is unsecured and fully dischargeable in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Delaware significantly expanded its personal property exemption effective January 1, 2025, giving filers more room to protect non-housing assets.
Are student loans dischargeable in Delaware bankruptcy courts?
Only through a separate adversary proceeding proving undue hardship, a difficult standard most filers don’t meet. Federal income-driven repayment plans are typically more practical for federal student loan borrowers.
How much mortgage debt do Delaware homeowners carry?
Mortgage debt averages $44,300 per credit consumer and $58,136 per homeowner specifically, close to the national norm.
Where can I find current Delaware debt statistics?
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York publishes quarterly household debt and credit reports, and the Education Data Initiative publishes annual state-by-state student loan debt figures.
Last reviewed by American Debt Guide Editorial Team.