Degree-Less and in Debt

This is the time of year when all the hard work and anxiety of college bound seniors ends...and the anxiety of their parents begin. 

Most parents leave the college planning to the life experience and perspective of a 17-year-old.  Financial aid awards letters are not consistent and are not really required to have minimal information (like expected family contribution, breakdown of costs, etc).  So now...the May 1 deadline looms, and if they have decent credit, parents are allowed to borrow the full cost of attendance for their child’s upcoming college year. 

The common phrase we hear ill prepared parents say is: "We'll just play it by ear".  Sadly, within the next six years, two out of every five college students will have dropped out of college, due to financial pressure.

In Degreeless in Debt: What Happens to Borrowers Who Drop Out, Education Sector Research Assistant Mary Nguyen takes a look at an often overlooked group: students who took out large loans but failed to complete a college degree.

Special Announcement:

On April 21, a presentation titled "Why is it So Hard For a GOOD Student to Get Into a Top College" will be given by Don Betterton from Princeton University.  Betterton served as Director of Financial Aid and as a member of the Admissions Committee before retiring last summer after 32 years with the university.  There is no charge, but reservations are required due to limited seating.  If you have a high achiever that is considering ‘highly-selective schools’, you won’t want to miss Betterton’s presentation.  Click HERE to register.