Program variation by state political leaning

Based on the 2020 electoral map states were divided on political leaning. 23 states were considered republican, or red, 10 states were considered moderate, or purple, and 18 states (including DC) were considered democratic, or blue.

Blue states are far more likely to have student forgiveness programs, with 95 programs, or 55% of programs with a median of 4 programs per state. Red states had 55 programs or 31% of programs with a median of 2 programs per state. Purple states had the remaining 25 programs, of 14% of programs with a median of 3 programs per state.

Borrower debt also increases as states get more liberal. Blue states have an average of $2,000 more than purple states, which have an average of $2,000 more debt than red states.