While student loans provide college opportunity for many, undergraduate student debt resulting from typical and heavy borrowing hinders future investments in human capital. Propensity score matching analysis of the NSF's 2003 National Survey of Recent College Graduates demonstrates that debt negatively affects the graduate school enrollment of…

As a graduate of Dartmouth College who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the author launched her academic career with a total debt load of over $105,000. As soon as she started working as a full-time faculty member six years ago, she began to make payments of between $600 and $1,000 a month to creditors, depending on what her…

Paying for graduate school, juggling loans, assistantships, and grants to meet costs is probably as complex as any budget that a professional will have to tackle. Some advice on financing graduate school is provided. (MLW)

Loan deferment and forgiveness programs, first developed at the Harvard Law School, are appearing at a variety of institutions. These schools are helping alumni who choose public interest careers to pay off educational loans. Public interest careers include working for schools, hospitals, the government, arts organizations, etc. (MLW)

Reviews recent data on cost trends in professional (especially legal) education, including interest costs, repayment mechanisms, and the issue of foregone wages. Also examines placement data and the ability to repay and refinance college indebtedness, as well as the developing relationship among college cost, credit cards, and consumer finance.…

The effect of indebtedness (undergraduate loan burden) after college graduation on the decision to pursue a graduate degree was studied for 899 individuals from the High School and Beyond study. Level of undergraduate debt was not a significant choice determinant. Some limitations of the methodology are discussed. (SLD)

Two possible types of loans for undergraduate study are outlined (loans to cover fees only and loans for living costs), and suggested repayment schemes and need analyses are given. Some notes are given on the administration of such a program. (MSE)

"Chronicle of Higher Education" presents an abundant source of news and information for college and university faculty members and administrators. This June 18, 2004 issue of "Chronicle for Higher Education" includes the following articles: (1) "What Would Higher Education Do with $6-Billion a Year?" (Shireman,…