Caralee Adams author of “Students Alerted to Loan Debt,” Kim Clark author of “Learning the Hard Way,” and Hollis Phelps author of “A Degree in Debt: The High Price of Higher Education,” explain the consequences of student loan debt, specifically how students are forced to take out large amount of loans because of the “struggling” economy. The three articles stress the need for a higher education to be successful in life. The three articles also showcase a students’ fight for a quality, wont-break-the-bank education. In each of these articles, the multitude and differences of opinions of student loan debt are explored, and combined with each authors take on the consequences of debt that come along with the price of higher education. Adams, Clark,
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According to Phelps, student loans were created with the intentions to provide a college education for those who can’t afford to pay for it “out of pocket.” All three authors agree that “about two-thirds of students take on student loans to help pay for their education.” Clark and Phelps both agree that most students (have to) rely on student loans to pay for their college education. Clark mentions, “Students and parents have little choice but to take out student loans.” Phelps explains that the “easy access” to student loans is great, but so many students need to borrow so much money that it creates issues. Phelps also mentions that many of his students have “no other option, they have to take out loans in order to go to college.” However, Adams disagrees, she thinks that many students “take on loan debt they really don’t need.” Gail Cunningham, vice president of membership and public relations for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, argues that students may be “tempted” to take out the “maximum amount of credit available, but that’s not always smart in the long run” (qtd. in Students Altered to Loan Debt). Adams believes that student loan debt is “manageable.” On the other hand, Phelps sees loan debt as “unavoidable” and an “excessive burden” to students. In a contrasting view, Clark notices that the economy has forced students into “borrowing more [money],” but the students are “lobbying for a change.” However Adams and Phelps advise that borrowing any money always comes with serious
According to Phelps, student loans were created with the intentions to provide a college education for those who can’t afford to pay for it “out of pocket.” All three authors agree that “about two-thirds of students take on student loans to help pay for their education.” Clark and Phelps both agree that most students (have to) rely on student loans to pay for their college education. Clark mentions, “Students and parents have little choice but to take out student loans.” Phelps explains that the “easy access” to student loans is great, but so many students need to borrow so much money that it creates issues. Phelps also mentions that many of his students have “no other option, they have to take out loans in order to go to college.” However, Adams disagrees, she thinks that many students “take on loan debt they really don’t need.” Gail Cunningham, vice president of membership and public relations for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, argues that students may be “tempted” to take out the “maximum amount of credit available, but that’s not always smart in the long run” (qtd. in Students Altered to Loan Debt). Adams believes that student loan debt is “manageable.” On the other hand, Phelps sees loan debt as “unavoidable” and an “excessive burden” to students. In a contrasting view, Clark notices that the economy has forced students into “borrowing more [money],” but the students are “lobbying for a change.” However Adams and Phelps advise that borrowing any money always comes with serious