In this paper, we examine college graduates' perceptions of entering student loan repayment and how they navigated this process. Findings highlight the importance of helping students make informed borrowing decisions, particularly as they begin repaying their student loan debt. Policy makers wishing to hold institutions accountable for keeping…

As China moved from elite to mass higher education, student borrowers as the product of state intervention have surged. Yet little attention has been paid to their voices. This study conducts reflexive thematic analysis with a qualitative inquiry into lived experiences of 41 current borrowers. A five-factor typology of debt attitudes yields a…

High payments and default on undergraduate debt have consequences; they are of national concern if aversion to debt deters students from making optimal postbaccalaureate decisions on postbaccalaureate educational aspirations, enrollment, and early-career occupation. I conducted two semi-structured interviews, near graduation and six months later,…

This study builds on the work of scholars who have explored psychological perceptions of the student loan experience. Survey analysis ("N" = 175) revealed a multidimensional model was developed through factor analysis and testing, which revealed four latent variables: "Duress," "Mandatory," "Financial," and…

Analysis of data from 443 graduating college seniors found many students: (1) unaware of their total loan indebtedness and payment obligations (both over- and under-estimating debt payments); (2) borrowed to support "a better lifestyle," and (3) were unable to estimate realistically their post-graduation earnings and ability to meet repayment…

This report contains the results of a survey of Stafford Loan borrowers who were scheduled to enter repayment between September 1, 1988, and June 1, 1989. Tables show respondents' activities, occupations--by type of institution and gender, median incomes--by occupation and race, and program completion by ethnic group, etc. (Author/MLW)

A study investigated the effectiveness of exit interviews as tools for reducing or predicting student loan delinquencies and found a relationship between repayment and completion of the exit interview. Interview completion was related to academic level and race. Type of exit interview (personal or mail) was not related to repayment delinquency.…

This study examines attitudes of Americans toward borrowing to finance educational expenses over the period from 1959 to 1983. The study finds that Americans have had a consistently favorable view toward educational loans. People from low-income backgrounds are less likely to have a positive attitude toward borrowing. (Author/MLW)

A regional survey of 1,442 student loan borrowers currently in repayment (nondefaulting, high debt/low income nondefaulters, and prior defaulters) investigated attitudes toward student loan debt. Results revealed those with greater debt perceive it as more burdensome, but debt level has little impact on consumption patterns. (Author/MSE)

Based on a survey of former California State University students who repaid (224) or defaulted on (128) loans, an analysis found high levels of significance in postsecondary outcome variables (graduation, employment and income patterns), institutional practices and characteristics, student background characteristics, and understanding of rights…

In a Texas study of vocational education student loan repayment attitudes, interviews with loan recipients indicate defaults are affected by how much students are pressured to enroll in a program, their understanding of the loan program when signing an application, and how well their vocational education equips them for employment. (Author/MSE)

This exploratory study examines the factors that college students perceive are important in helping them make good financial decisions about paying for a college education. The study categorizes and summarizes students' self-reported responses to an open-ended survey question about recommendations for changes in financial aid counseling practices.…

A mail survey was conducted of alumnae or students who left Sweet Briar between 1979 and 1986. The study was to solicit information about attitudes toward educational loan debt which could be used in counseling current and prospective students, evaluating award packaging policies, and responding to legislation affecting student loans. (MLW)

A study investigated (1) college students' perception of their knowledge and actual knowledge about their student loans (when first borrowed, interest rate, repayment terms) and (2) the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, marital status, ethnic background, residency, academic achievement, major, employment, loan…