Millions of college student will most likely roam around campus holding onto a similar burden as their peers: college debt. Since college isn’t getting any more affordable any time soon, many are having to borrow as much as possible from federal loan programs.
It’s just a fact of life that student loan debt sucks. And most students these days have to take out loans in order to pay for the high cost of college. Yet for many students college still isn’t feasible. The rise in student loan debt and serious concerns about the affordability of college has put some pressure on the Trump administration’s plans for higher education.
As of now, seven in 10 seniors will graduate college owing about $29,650 per person, according to the Institute for College Access & Success.
Student debt is a big ballot item this midterm cycle that has so many college students fired and ready to vote for politicians working to make college more affordable and accessible to all.
Now that I know what student loans are they are very bad. I would not wish that on anyone
— James White (@Flight8) July 30, 2014
Her Campus asked college students what they wanted possible elected officials to do about student debt. Here’s what they had to say:
“As tuition is rising across the nation and more and more jobs are requiring advanced degrees, student debt is accumulating at impressive and scary rates. I remember, interviewing for a job as a cashier for money to get through college, being asked about my major and how it pertained to the job I was applying for, which was ridiculous to me. Although I am fortunate enough to have a full tuition scholarship, I understand that not everyone can afford to go to a good school or even live in a good school district for public schools. This is a vicious cycle, because despite the American belief that hard work is all it takes, education is one of the best ways out of poverty and some kids are being denied it at every level. On a personal note, my mother was born to a 17-year-old and grew up in a trailer park. Although she did not have great public schooling, she was fortunate enough to be naturally intelligent and put herself through law school. However, 25 years later, she is still paying student loans while figuring out how to send her own three kids to college. The majority of other western countries provide free or cheap college because they understand that it is important to invest in their youth; it is about time America caught up,” – Arianna, Temple University.
“This is a vicious cycle, because despite the American belief that hard work is all it takes, education is one of the best ways out of poverty and some kids are being denied it at every level”
“To notice decrease student debt and increase financial aid,” – @_khelyn_
“I’d like affordable college and reasonable debt pay-back plans,” – @liz_gingerjournalist
“Debt forgiveness!!” – @_chloefischer_
“More forgiveness & financial literacy educational policy. Assessment of k -12 system,” – @carolinerrrr
“The first 2 years of college should be free,” – @bailey.m.pruitt
“The midterm elections are important to me and should be important to all young people because decisions will be made on issues that hit close to home, like student loans. I will be voting to expand access to higher education. I have friends who have more student loan debt then their annual salary. For people like them, the midterm elections mean the difference between living a financially healthy life or having debt that hangs around their necks for a long time,” – anonymous student, The College of New Jersey
“I have friends who have more student loan debt then their annual salary. For people like them, the midterm elections mean the difference between living a financially healthy life or having debt that hangs around their necks for a long time.”
“Major help with student debt,” – @aesmith394
“LESS STUDENT DEBT. College should be accessible by all because many times jobs only hire people with degrees,” – @asunshinepoet
“We shouldn’t have much debt if all public universities were free!” – @genesismargolis
“To not only help with the loan crisis but help with the rising costs of college,” – @alliepasquale