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The student debt crisis has become one of the hot platform topics for candidates on the 2020 election circuit, but for the people it affects it is more than a campaign strategy. Tuition and fees at public and private schools rose at roughly three times the rate of inflation between 2007 and 2018, according to a College Board survey. Borrowers currently owe more than $1.5 trillion in student loans, an average of $34,000 per person.

The list below is a collection of tweets from people explaining how the U.S debt crisis evolved to this point or sharing their stories on how student debt has impacted their lives since graduating - and they may shock you or be sadly relatable.

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    #2

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    tuzdayschild
    Community Member
    5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I totally understand. We started with nothing, but you are starting in a huge hole. Universities have priced themselves out. They are too expensive. We should offer more apprenticeship programs so you either pay nothing or get paid while learning your job.

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    SAF saf
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This should be criminal, I don't understand why the politicians can't meet us half way on this. Why can't student loans be zero to super low interest rates. You pay back the $250k and call it settled (which is still alot' of money btw).

    Stannous Flouride
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The capital money for these student loans comes from the US-f*****g-TREASURY! It is loaned to the lending institutions at the prime rate of interest (less than 3%) and they loan it to students at much higher rates (5-8%) and they have so rigged the system that it's ONLY form of indebtedness in the US from which you cannot escape by declaring bankruptcy. After WW2, the US invested in education (over the objections of the financial sector) through the GI Bill and new school infrastructure and it resulted in the greatest explosion of wealth and productivity in history. It made TRILLIONS of dollars in profit for the people who opposed it and they thanked the American people with the stupid "trickle-down" economic theories (that the originator has conceded doesn't work) that have only succeeded in concentrating wealth to a progressively smaller percentage of people. Other nations have meanwhile been investing in their educational systems and are already starting to leave America behind.

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    Mewton’s Third Paw
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kjorn got downvoted but he’s right. The market is well over saturated with lawyers.

    Brooke Elizabeth
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    True, but that has nothing to do with the fact that making loan payments gets you deeper in debt.

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    einrib4truth
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    and this is what the Jewish Banksters want "Debt SLAVES!!" Yes I did say Jewish because this is who factually prints and controls the entire worlds currencies and why they have brainwashed us all into not openly questioning them.... and we collectively call ourselves "Intelligent?" If one has the courage and an open-mind, just research who owns and controls virtually any major industry and institution... anywhere and please let me know if it does not lead back to those we have been conditioned with fear not to question...

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    Trix
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think I'd just skip university if I was American. The whole system works to make you work for the system for almost more than half your life. 250k university debt? That's not starting life with nothing, that's starting life 250k minus than nothing.

    Theresa Tzitzira
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, not exactly nothing but the debt, I hope the education you are supposed to receive is up to the debt and should help you land those white collar jobs that you couldn't aspire to otherwise. Not that I agree with the whole debt system though, education should NOT cost that much, should be accessible to virtually anyone -with acceptable school marks, at least-. The already existing taxes should cover that cost.

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    Freya the Wanderer
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is [bleep]ing CRIMINAL!!!!! The company that gave you that rip-off loan should be forced out of business, and its principals arrested, tried and convicted of fraud.

    Kjorn
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    why people want to be lawyer. they are so many in the US

    Toshinori Fukui
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder what kind of interest rate this person is getting. The government student loan rate was 5 to 6% when he was in school, I think. He must have some private student loan... coz what he is saying means that he is not being able to pay even interest on the loan, which means that he is bankrupt...

    Chris Challis
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the sociopaths that run the banking system charge immoral interest rates and are making a motza.

    Chris Challis
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the sociopaths that run the banking system are making a motza out of immoral interest charges.

    Stanley Sulkowski
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's crazy to be paying and paying and paying. This lunacy has to end. There seems like no other way out until now. Let technology guide you to eliminating student loans. Learn how this "GPS" system directs you to eliminate all debt in as little as 5-7 years. Get rid of your student loan and your other debts such as mortgages, credit cards debt other loans. BBB A+ Rated company shows you how. Get a free E-Book here: https://debt2wealth.sidewayenterprise.com Reduce-stu...24-png.jpg Reduce-student-loan-debt-5dbd73e5f2524-png.jpg

    Louise Allen
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    exactly I signed a parent plus loan for my daughter her senior year in college, 2012 was her graduation date, she didn't graduate, both semester was 15,000, at a HBU college, don't be fooled just as high as a regular college, I still owe now 38,000 in 2019, they said I'll be 75 before I pay this off in my name, I'm now 57, never went to college, parents be warned

    Kelley Charlton Villalobos
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tell me about it!! After 11 years of payments on $47,000 in now owe $45,000 and three different loan companies have collected my interest.

    Billy Beecham
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Too bad you couldn't put that law degree to use and sue the loan program. After all, why charge interest when you're just going to have to pay heavy tax on your income anyway. You would think loans that benefit you so that you can help contribute to society, and therefore contribute to the tax program, would be investment enough. One way or another they'll see a return.

    Kari Panda
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Okay, can someone explain the USA student loan system to me? Here in Germany, if you need a student loan, you get if from a certain government office. You have to pay it back partially, but the maximum you have to pay is 10,000 €, no matter how much money you got. Do American students get loans from regular banks? Where you have to pay an interest?

    Kathy Livergood
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For future college students, go to a community college for the first two years, then transfer to a university.

    Tina White
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    @SAF the rates are 6% which I cannot fathom how 6% ends up like this. I paid 10% on a car loan and paid back less than this!

    Boston Johnny
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Must be a sucky lawyer considering the ones in my area bill out a $500 an hour.

    Justgail Jones
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They don’t want you to pay off the loan. Loans, credit cards, etc make more money on interest the payment that keeps on giving.

    moeless
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Would you lend money with no interest to someone you don't even know? And the interest is way low compared to credit cards, how some of us did it.

    Richard
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's disgusting that they charge so much interest on those loans, they should not increase by anymore than the inflation rate, like they do in Australia.

    Jon Payne
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Law like medicine usually turns around after year 20. Hang with it and hang tough.

    Marie Passer
    Community Member
    5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Your choice. No one forced you to go to law school. Don't make me responsible for your choices. I did not go to college. However, I have had my own small business for over 25 years and it provides more than enough for myself and my family. The only things I now owe are to the IRS every quarter! Cheers!

    Ken Spaulding
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe a lawyer should not be paying the bare minimum amount and he'd get the loan that allows him to potentially make 100-300k and greater paid off. Also does he drive a "lawyers " car live in a "lawyers" house or live within his means until he can afford to really splurge?

    Larry Battros
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whatsthematter, was the law student too limited to understand what he was signing? Maybe paying more than just the interest would help? Maybe live at a level you can afford? Quit whining and pay your bills.

    Vivek Mhatre
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can someone explain the calculation here? We do take home loans in India, but the "amount owed to bank" keeps decreasing, not increasing.

    ACE
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some of his loans were unsubsidized, meaning that interest accrued while he was in school and continues at a higher variable interest rate. Even if he were to file for bankruptcy, student loans are not dischargeable, so you owe no matter what.

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    Gavin Anderson
    Community Member
    5 years ago

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    going to college is a privilege not a right... I couldn't afford it right away so I got a job paying me $5 per hour and what do you know I saved and paid my way through University in Canada and USA so suck nerds

    Mewton’s Third Paw
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe in cave times. Modern humans recognize education as a human right. If you made $5 an hour then you’re older than Gen X, which would make you a Boomer. And of course you wouldn’t understand. Since it’s hard to imagine a Boomer saying “suck nerds” I’m going to just assume you’re trolling.

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    Maci Mae
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm fourteen, and I really want to be a special education teacher when I'm an adult, which requires college. I want to have a job that I love, but I can't imagine being that much in debt. Any time I bring it up to an adult, I'm told that I'll "figure it out" or that "I shouldn't be worrying about that yet". But considering the situation my country is in, I probably should have started saving for college two years ago :(

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    Leo Domitrix
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm Gen X. We hae ALL inherited the debts racked up by Boomers and the gutless politicians catering to them. They didn't pay it forward. They loaned it forward, with compound interest....

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    Peg Walton
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a retired professor, I strongly agree with this statement. It is terribly broken, from pre-K up to PhD. The American education system is completely broken.

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    Kaisu
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's really f****d up, a 17-yo isn't mature enough to take such a huge loan and to understand the ramifications a loan like that has on your life. In my county you could never get that much student loan

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    Peg Walton
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Must be nice to be one of the lucky ones. I went to college after raising my children and still ended up with $40,000+ in loans. Now my salary isn't enough to live and pay loans. Their "programs" do not help. Wish I had never gone to college. My Masters is worthless.

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    Panda Kicki
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a swede with mostly free schools and low cost state loans to cover other expenses it is so horrifying to read all these tragedies :'(

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    Pamela24
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You should stop spoiling yourself and demanding luxuries. If you don't have the money to eat, just don't. It's as simple as that. *sarcasm - just to make sure*

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    Jeff Christensen
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Australia university was free until 1988, but now it is paid for by Government loans - but repaymemts don't start until your income is over a certain threshold. If you never reach that threshold, you never repay the debt.

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    Pamela24
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    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I just can't understand why AT LEAST the loans couldn't be without interest. I believe that is how the UK has it (correct me if I'm wrong, please).

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    Ahmad Pujianto
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just wow.. I only pay 25 USD each month during 4 year of college.. Then (because I work while studying) another 50 USD each year for 2 year of extention.. Totally I spend around 20 Million IDR (around 1.500 USD) till graduate.. #asian

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    Candice Lewis
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    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    With interest it could become that much and the sucky thing is our children will probably be responsible for some of it

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    30 Alarming Posts About How The Student Debt System Affects People's Lives And It's Terrible

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    Mewton’s Third Paw
    Community Member
    5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What in the entire f**k. The pettiness. Pettiness of this level can only come from the mega rich.

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    Monica Michelle
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    5 years ago

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    There are 2 types of people who are wronged those that say never again to noone else and those who stop progress because it does not help them personally

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    Belinda Matson
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMFG I'm surprised boomers aren't being slaughtered en masse in the USA. Pro Tip: Start with the politicians...

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    Ivo H
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    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's terryfing that someone has reason to write "i did a terrible thing" because he studied for a job he wanted to do. Not everyone likes to be doctor/lawyer/whatever just to pay off his or hers loans.

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    Missy Barton
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    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I officially paid off my student loans four years ago. Want to know how? My husband died.

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    Cassie
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If your payments are income based, your (compounded) interest will continue to accrue, which means your loan amount will be more when it's forgiven than when it was initiated. The government could have saved money by just paying for the tuition in the first place.

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    guy greej
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    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    From malawi a third world country. Paid of my university degree debt in 1 month after getting a job.

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    Martha Meyer
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    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's supposed to be a joke, right? She didn't pay it off, her mother basically did!

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