Student loans are likely to remain a prominent instrument for paying for college in Texas, a necessary financial tool for low- and moderate-income students. As college costs rise and growing enrollments further stretch grant funds, the policy challenge is to assist students in determining the appropriate level of student loans for their individual situation. The process begins with quality college outreach services to high school students. Financial literacy training can help students manage their finances and plan their careers wisely, providing reasonable loan debt and salary expectations. Professional, qualified loan counseling can help students better understand their loan obligations, and a neutral party can advocate on behalf of students and provide essential delinquency and default prevention services to keep them in repayment. Although they carry some risk, student loans are a necessary tool for promoting college access and success, allowing students to enroll full time and work a minimum number of hours. This can enhance the quality of the educational experience and reduce the number of years to degree, saving money for both the student and the state. [For the full report, "Digging Deeper: An Analysis of Student Loan Debt in Texas. A Report to the 82nd Regular Session of the Texas Legislature," see ED542014.]