Today, two-thirds of all new college graduates have student loan debt, compared to less than half in the early 1990s. Furthermore, the amount of debt carried by graduates of four-year universities has increased 60 percent in the past seven years. Growing numbers of middle- and low-income families and students are assuming an enormous debt, which undermines young workers' ability to save for retirement, buy a home, start a family or pursue crucial, but frequently lower-paying, professions such as teaching, nursing and social work.
Pew is no longer active in this line of work, but for more information, visit the Project on Student Debt Web site or visit the The Project on Student Debt on PewHealth.org.