2010-11-22-皮尤-The_Rise_of_College_Student_Borrowing_18页_367kb

报告摘要

The Rise of College Student Borrowing Summary

This report details the significant increase in college student borrowing from 1996 to 2008, based on U.S. Department of Education data. Key findings include:

Overview: Undergraduate student debt rose markedly, with 2008 graduates borrowing an average of $23,287 for bachelor's degrees and $13,321 for associate's degrees, compared to lower amounts in 1996.
Key Trends Driving Increases:
- More Students Borrowing: The percentage of graduates borrowing increased from 52% in 1996 to 60% in 2008.
- Larger Loan Amounts: Average loans doubled for associate's degrees and certificate recipients, and bachelor's loans increased by 36%.
- Shift to Private for-Profit Schools: These institutions saw a substantial rise in enrollment, with loans averaging $33,046 in 2008, higher than other school types.
Borrowing Patterns by School Type:
- Private for-profit schools had the highest borrowing rates (97% in 2008) and average debt, while public schools had lower rates and debts.
Demographic Factors:
- Lower-income, minority, and female students were more likely to have high debt. For example, 53% of for-profit school bachelor's graduates had children, and incomes were lower.
High-Debt Borrowers:
- One-in-six bachelor's degree recipients borrowed over $40,000. Associates and certificates saw lower but still significant increases in high-debt cases.
Implications: The rise is driven by demographic shifts and school type changes, affecting different student groups unevenly. Student debt facilitates access but poses repayment challenges, with no clear benchmark for acceptable debt levels.