College Loans as Development Aid

I think David Brooks’ column on combatting global poverty is in some respects too pessimistic* but fundamentally I’m in agreement with him about this:

“So, my student loan payments are more than my monthly rent?” exclaimed my sister-in-law, Kari. “More than a mortgage payment, to be honest,” I replied. Kari is finishing up her junior year of college in May and was curious about what life after college would like like.

As costs of college soars (with thanks to absurd union salaries and benefits, as well as absurd administrator salaries and benefits), those attending college have increasing trouble paying back loans. The fully expected consequence is Student-Loan Delinquencies Now Surpass Credit Cards.

Those who think the answer to the unemployment problem is more education might be surprised to learn the Majority of Unemployed Attended College. For the first time in history, the number of jobless workers age 25 and up who have attended some college now exceeds the ranks of those who settled for a high school diploma or less.

It's interesting to watch some of the terms bandied about in headline news. For example, the LA Times headline reads S&P says student loan debt could be next financial bubble. Next? Could Be?

Almost a year ago we shared a calculation according to which "Over $120 Billion In Federal Student Loans In Default", suggesting that the next credit crisis has already arrived. Since then the topic of the student loan bubble has become a household topic. Sadly, that does not mean it has gotten any better. In fact, according to the latest Education Department data it has gotten as bad as it has ever been.

Given that fewer than 60% of college students obtain a degree in six yea

Dear Dr. Don, We have two sons who are three and five years away from starting college. We don't anticipate them being eligible for much financial aid. We've saved up enough to fund their education for about two years, and we're looking for a plan to cover the rest.