But by far the largest share of borrowers — 49% — came from public colleges.

“Public colleges aren’t cheap,” Kantrowitz said, adding that it still costs more than $22,000 a year to attend one, including tuition, room, board and fees.

Meanwhile, another quarter of borrowers attended for-profit schools, which have come under fire for misleading students about programs and career outcomes, as well as for preying on veterans and people of color. Nearly half of those who take out student loans at these schools end up defaulting.

“Well-off students who attend ‘elite’ schools are not typically struggling,” said Ashley Harrington, federal advocacy director t the Center for Responsible Lending.