Debt Stats

Student loan debt in America is skyrocketing. Today the average student loan borrower leaves college with $25,000 in student loan debt; it is not uncommon for some new graduates to have over $100,000 in student loan debt.

The Pew Research Center recently conducted a survey regarding the value of a college education. Their findings were very interesting, but not surprising. The graph below illustrates the difference in perception between the general public and college presidents. While 76% of college presidents rate college as good or excellent value, only 40% of the general public agree.

Another interesting statistic involves affordability. Today only 22% of the general public considers college affordable.

It’s also interesting but not surprising the affect student loan debt has on grads when the loan payments become due. Almost half of respondents say it’s harder to pay bills and make ends meet.