Student Loans; A Harsh Reality

Student loans are often a harsh reality for many scholars in this country. Taking out a loan for many is an easy process that requires little time. However, given the current economic climate this country has been placed under the responsibility of paying off those debts does not look that promising. Due to the resession in 2008 the American economy and job market has been heavily effected. The New York Times reported that 68% of undergrads take out loans that can total up to 10,000 dollars. That is just 68% that does not include those other students who are taking loans up to 70,000 dollars to put them through school. We as the next generation are faced with a cruel choice. That being either you don't go and at least receive a four year degree at a university and have a very limited career opportunities or, take out a loan to get you that degree and come out of college already in debt and seeking employment in an already small job market. This should not be the reality for us.

I currently am apart of that 68% of students in this country who has had to take out a small loan in order to pay for their schooling. I am 100% sure that I will have to take out another loan in the 2016-2017 academic year. We have always been told that we should study what we want to and to explore our options but unfortunately exploring is actually just a comical way of saying stay longer and spend more money you don't have on a degree that may or may not have a job market when you get done with school. This is an issue that needs to be addressed and certain economic policies need to be fixed or created in order to assure students that those four to twelve years of schooling was worth it!

Out of curiosity, what do you recommend for the government to change or enforce to help students? I agree that school is expensive and most of the time, not affordable without loans. Many schools do offer scholarships for different varieties of students but these scholarships can be minimal and limited to a specific number. Should we change the price of school altogether? I do believe that if school tuition was lowered and more affordable, there would be an increased student body. (Look into how this would affect the school's functioning and teacher salaries - important aspects to consider when disusing tuition.)

Student loans are a terrible truth to today's society. If you want to succeed and be successful you absolutely have to and will end up eventually applying for student loans. Unfortunately, college is a very expensive experience and by the end of it you will be knee deep in debt. Fortunately, when you finish you should have a career that enables you to be able to pay off your loans.

Student debt is a burden and often extremely stressful. However, the government and others sources offer grants, and scholarships in order to help you pay for your higher education. Depending on how much you qualify for and the grades you get in school you are often eligible for a lot of help. Particularly at UNM we are paying much less than most universities around the country and I truly believe that the money put into school is worth it because a college degree and being educated is something that no one can ever take away from you. A four year degree is better than no degree at all because without that degree you are even more limited.

Student debt may affect us all at some point but as stated above, putting in the time and effort to apply for and receive scholarships as well as eligible grants may be a choice not many people consider. I personally know many people going through school debt free due to their hard work and dedication in receiving government funded assistance. Yes, many of us still fall into the lines of debt and spend years paying it off but in some circumstances it is indeed possible to avoid.

Student loans are awful but there are ways to avoid them.
Students are often encouraged before they even get into college to apply for scholarships. There are many websites that help students find specific scholarships for their field of study or scholarships that can help in general. There's also state scholarships. Students just have to take the time to apply for them.
Students can also try to get a job that may suit their needs. They can also have jobs during the times there isn't school, then save their money for the times that school does come around. There's many different alternatives to help with paying for school. If anything, it can at least reduce the amount that of a loan that they take out.