The purpose of this dissertation was to understand the financial aid personnel's perspective on the impacts of middle-income student loan borrowing. Student loan borrowing is a concern for many due to the current debt reaching extraordinary amounts. This research explored the impacts specifically on middle-income students as opposed to low- or high-income students. Middle-income, for the purposes of this research, was defined as students who are above the threshold for need-based aid, but still have a remaining need. Four themes occurred as a result of this research: 1) payment opportunities for middle-income students 2) opt in and opt out loan awarding, 3) impacts of default for schools and students, and 4) communication methods to increase middle-income informed borrowing. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]