studentdebt

Do You Have More Debt Than the Average American?

A new study shows that individual debt is falling at the fastest rate in nearly 50 years. But not everyone is contributing positively to that statistic, and many Americans are still struggling with overwhelming debt.

This Bright-Eyed Young Man Was Utterly Demolished By Student Loans

Even as total outstanding student debt rises to $1 trillion, lawmakers have yet to allow loans to be discharged in bankruptcy. Without an escape clause, these loans can strangle a person. Take 36-year-old Nick Keith, who remains $142,000 eight years after graduating from culinary school.

What Happened When This Guy Paid His Student Loan in Cash

Last week, a Reddit user posted a photo of a $114,000 student loan bill-paid in cash-that elicited thousands of comments. Since then, the anonymous alum has stepped forward as Alex Kenjeev, a 2009 law school graduate of the University of Toronto.

How Low Interest Rates Could Push College Costs Even Higher

With so many young adults struggling with college debt, maintaining the current low 3.4% interest rate on Stafford loans sounds like a no-brainer. But former Education Secretary William Bennett thinks low rates will only lead colleges to become more expensive.

Student Loans: Your 5-Step Plan to Pay Them Off

The economy seems to be turning around for recent college grads, so members of the class of 2012 may have the cash to make a dent in their massive student loans. Now all they need is a plan.

Is This the Answer to the Student Debt Crisis? FixUC's 5% Solution

College tuition just keeps rising, and student loan debt is at an all-time high, leading to hefty loan payments that can overwhelm earners early in their careers. But a group called FixUC has a radical proposal to re-think tuition that could make everyone happy.

Recovery Threatened by Runaway Student Loan Debt

Surging above $1 trillion, U.S. student loan debt has surpassed credit card and auto-loan debt. This debt explosion jeopardizes the fragile recovery, increases the burden on taxpayers and possibly sets the stage for a new economic crisis.

Can't Get a Mortgage? Blame Your Student Loans

With college costs high and rising, more students are putting themselves deeper into debt than ever. But those huge debt loads don't just pressure graduates to find high-paying jobs: They're also making it nearly impossible for many of them to get mortgages.

Good Reasons to Love Those Darn Student Loans

With student loan default rates rising due to persistently high unemployment rates, it's easy to vilify the seemingly endless monthly payments that follow graduation. But take a closer look, and you'll find that the news about student loans is more good than bad.

How I Paid for College on a Paperboy's Salary

I know what a daunting task it is to pay for college. But it's not impossible -- even on a paperboy's income. I did it, and hopefully some of what I learned on the route to college graduate will help inspire you, your kids, or your local paper carrier.

Grad School Math: Which Degrees Are Worth the Debt

With unemployment high and wages stagnant, now's a rough time to be entering the job market. Historically, when a harsh economy awaits, young people tend to run for cover in grad school. It's a smart strategy -- unless you pick the wrong field of study.

Tweak Your Major, Transform Your Job Prospects

Unemployment among recent college grads is at 9.3% -- but not for every major. The good news is, you can follow your skills and passions and still find a job. The highest-unemployment majors are often related to options that use the same skills, but offer much better odds of a job.

Should Law Schools Pay Some Students to Drop Out?

Two Yale professors have proposed an interesting solution to the nation's oversupply of lawyers. Have law schools offer tuition refunds to first year students if they quit. The National Association of Law Schools, not surprisingly, rejected the idea.