How Federal Policymakers Should Address the Student Debt Crisis

Abstract

The number of 18 to 24-year-olds enrolled in college increases each year as greater emphasis continues to be placed on higher education. To pay for college, many students take out loans. In 2012, two-thirds of the seniors graduating with a bachelors degree from a public, four-year institution had taken out loans up from the 62% with loans in 2008 and the 46% in 1993. Americans seem to take it for granted that college students can and should use loans to pay at least some of the costs of higher education and loans do seem to work for students who borrow a reasonable amount, complete their degree programs, and obtain the high-paying jobs. This report suggests how federal policymakers should address the student debt crisis. ; Scholars Strategy Network