The number of graduates in arrears with student loan repayments has increased by more than two-and-a-half times in 18 months. The Student Loans Company figures show that as of August 31, 167,716 people were in arrears, with Pounds 70,062,402 outstanding. This is up from 64,357 in arrears with Pounds 23,836,199 outstanding at April 9 last year.