Sept. 19. North Carolina ranks fifth among the states where student loan delinquency is increasing most, according to a new WalletHub survey.

North Carolina delinquencies rose 15.52 percent, while those in Maine rose 32.15 percent. The smallest increase was in Vermont, where delinquencies actually fell by nearly a thir.

The delinquency rate on student loans increased in 29 states over the past quarter, according to WalletHub, highlighting where people have the greatest risk of credit score damage and other negative consequences. The report is based on differences between first quarter data and second quarter data.

Nevertheless North Carolina has a relatively low .089 percent delinquency rate, compared to North Dakota’s 3.11 percent.

Federal student loans don’t get reported to the credit bureaus as delinquent until they are 90 days behind. Private loans may report delinquency after 30 days.