Center for American Progress
Donate
See all topics
See all states
Search Search
Paired with declining incomes and rising housing costs, student-loan debt is stifling the broader economy. This video depicts real-life circumstances of Americans young and old hampered by student-loan debt.
Building an Economy for All, Higher Education
Associate Director, Media Relations
[email protected]
Senior Director, Government Affairs
Senior Manager, State and Local Government Affairs
According to the 2010 Survey of Consumer Finances, 45 percent of all American families hold outstanding student-loan debt. Last year, the total debt Americans owe on their student loans topped $1 trillion. Paired with declining incomes and rising housing costs, student-loan debt is stifling the broader economy. This video depicts real-life circumstances of Americans young and old hampered by student-loan debt.
The positions of American Progress, and our policy experts, are independent, and the findings and conclusions presented are those of American Progress alone. American Progress would like to acknowledge the many generous supporters who make our work possible.
The Higher Education team works toward building an affordable and high-quality higher education system that promotes economic mobility, racial equity, and a strong democracy.