Susan Dynarski quoted in New York Times about rising "burden" of college loans

April 11, 2011

Susan M. Dynarski was quoted in a New York Times article called "Burden of College Loans on Graduates Grows." The article discusses the implications of the rise in student loan debt, a number that is increasing faster than credit card debt for the first time ever.

In 2008, two-thirds of graduates (with a bachelor's degree) left school with an average debt of $24,000. Though student loans are generally considered "good debt," some experts say this debt may affect after-college decisions like starting a business or family or buying a home. Dynarski told the New York Times that she believes student loans are a sensible investment.

"When you think about what's good debt and what's bad debt, student loans fall into the realm of good debt, like mortgages," Dynarski told the Times. "It's an investment that pays off over the whole life cycle."