I just wanted to comment on the many "poor choice" comments that seem to be all over the place in this thread.

I went to a private university that's ranked in the top 10 in the country for my specific program and top 25 overall. Between living expenses and being unable to do many types of jobs due to severe neurological conditions (seizures, sensory processing disorder, Tourette syndrome, auras, etc.)+ full-time schooling and and internship, I was $100k in debt after graduation (includes my BA).

After living modestly for the last 3 years, I'm down to way less than half of that. I started out making $35k (counselors aren't going to make as much as engineers) and this last year making almost $50k. However, I grew up in deep poverty, so I learned how to manage on a limited budget and still enjoy life. I paid $20k on my loans in my first two years and $25k this last year.

Sure, my situation isn't common. However, there are a lot of reasons why someone might take on a large amount of debt that have nothing to do with being "irresponsible." In my case, my choices were to receive disability benefits for the remainder of my life or to try to find an option so that I could actually have a future. My choice came down to not wanting to be a burden/social pariah. I wanted to have a life I could be proud of and I have succeeded so far.

Generally speaking, 15% of American households can't manage to put food on the table. They are unemployed or unable to find full-time employment at a livable wage. I think that most people do the best that they can when they are presented with few options.

Just so basic info about education and poverty

Students from poor families struggling with student loan debt