We pressure teenagers as soon as they are old enough to take on debt to take a huge predatory loan, in a system where teaching personal finance is not a requirement of the education system. We tell kids growing up that their lives will be miserable if they don’t go to college, and make them feel that there is no other rational choice but to take on debt.
The government backs this system that prohibits bankruptcy and traps young people in extreme debt before their adult lives have even begun, all so that lenders can make fortunes off of interest payments - lenders that include the government itself.
So, yes, you’re right, terrible economic decisions like that should not be rewarded. Borrowers should be forgiven 100% and the lenders who created this mess should be kicked to the curb.
It does suck, but people who go to college know how much they’re going to pay. If anything, they should consider starting at a community college. Specialized schools (e.g. nursing schools, pilot school, etc.) often come with higher costs, but people need to weigh the potential benefits against the expenses. Community colleges offer more affordable options for foundational coursework before transferring to a specialized school if needed. Also, a significant portion of students already recieve some form of financial aid.
Making poor financial decisions should not be rewarded.
We pressure teenagers as soon as they are old enough to take on debt to take a huge predatory loan, in a system where teaching personal finance is not a requirement of the education system. We tell kids growing up that their lives will be miserable if they don’t go to college, and make them feel that there is no other rational choice but to take on debt.
The government backs this system that prohibits bankruptcy and traps young people in extreme debt before their adult lives have even begun, all so that lenders can make fortunes off of interest payments - lenders that include the government itself.
So, yes, you’re right, terrible economic decisions like that should not be rewarded. Borrowers should be forgiven 100% and the lenders who created this mess should be kicked to the curb.
Where is the utility in keeping people in a never ending cycle of student loan debt?
It does suck, but people who go to college know how much they’re going to pay. If anything, they should consider starting at a community college. Specialized schools (e.g. nursing schools, pilot school, etc.) often come with higher costs, but people need to weigh the potential benefits against the expenses. Community colleges offer more affordable options for foundational coursework before transferring to a specialized school if needed. Also, a significant portion of students already recieve some form of financial aid.