Student loan debt affects thousands of Americans each year, with the average student graduating in 2007 owing $24,651. Tuition costs have soared in recent decades, with projections indicating costs at public universities could reach $95,000 and private universities $340,000 within 18 years. While higher education promotes a skilled workforce and strong economy, changes are needed to the current system as many students take on debt unnecessarily or receive inadequate financial aid.

1. Student Loan Debt Effects Thousand of Americans Each Year I am over $30,000 in student loan debt!

2. Average Cost of Tuition over a four year period at a: Private University is over $119,000 Public University is over $33,000

3. Measly 3% of the Federal Budget was Dedicated to Education Defense spending accounted for ¼ of the budget.

4. Projection Indicate that in 18 years tuition prices could soar: At a Private University up to $340,000 At a Public University up to $95,000

5. In 2007 86.3% of students who applied for financial aid took out loans.

6. Debt of students graduating in 2007 The average cumulative debt of students was $ 24,651 ¼ of students borrowed $30,526. 1/10 of students borrowed $44,668

7. The Education System As It Stands Needs Serious Rebuilding. Changes Must Be Made! Universities and colleges are not properly educating students, an astonishing 1 out of 5 students take out student loans unnecessarily. Inadequate aid is being offered, over ¾ of students who applied for federal aid took out loans. in 2007 the average cumulative debt of students was 24,651

8. I Am in Debt Because of Federal and Private Student Loans

9. My Student Loan Payments Are the Same As Rent in Some Parts of the Country!

10. Pursuit of higher education promotes a skilled and professional workforce. This consequently promotes a healthy and thriving economy.

12. Organizations Empowering Students Toward a Debt Free Future! Student Advocacy Network http://www.studentadvocacynetwork.org/ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority http://www.hesaa.org

13. Contact Elected Officials and Policy Makers To find out who elected officials are in your area and to contact them visit http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml

14. Work Cited Page The College Board- ww.Collegeboard.org The Financial Aid Board – www.finaid.org Investopedia – www.investopedia.com www.savingforcollege.com Usgovernmentspending.com Treasury Urged to Provide No Bailout Benefit to Private Student Lenders by Amit R. Paley, Washington Post, November 28, 2008 – www.washingtonpost.com Students on Edge Over Rising Tuition Costs, CBS News U.S., February 2, 2010 (writer not listed) America Student Assistance – www.asa.org