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Is Student Debt a Choice?University President’s remarks draw criticismRelated Content
ANCHORAGE - At a recent University of Alaska Board of Regents meeting, University President Pat Gamble told the regents much of the debt that students accumulate is by choosing a certain type of lifestyle – having a car, an apartment and going on spring break. For students without substantial family support, debt is something they accept as part of getting a degree. Alaska students graduate with about $25,600 – slightly more than the national average. Most students aren't funding their education from one source. Sophomore Emily Hodson isn't in debt yet, thanks to years of Permanent Fund dividends, but she knows she might have to borrow in the future. But after five years in college, Lars Singleton has racked up the debt. He said he owes about $20,000. And that's about average for a UAA student who's in college for the first time and graduates within six years. Does he feel he borrowed frivolously? “Absolutely not, it pretty much covers text books and fees and tuition,” Singleton said. “I cringe to open those envelopes every month.” Evelyn Castillo agrees. “I have a very crappy car. I try to make ends meet everyday. I take 19 credits and I still work and I’m still struggling. So I’m fighting to fight the debt. So I don't think I'm making a choice.” Though some students might indulge, most say they're living frugally. They're all hoping someday to just work one good job to make a living. According to UA’s Financial Aid Department, UAA students carry a lighter debt load than college students in other parts of the state. A UAA graduate owes $19,000, compared to $25,000 statewide.
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UAF Alumni said on Sunday, Oct 28 at 9:56 AM
I managed to get out of UAF with 7800 in debt, a combination of full time work and part time employment, or 2 full time jobs in the summer. I had a rotten apartment, a used car and a every other year(to seem folks). I used my degree(BS Biology) to get a much better job, and paid off the debt in 2 years. It isnt hard to get rid of the debt. I have seen the current generation of students and they drive new cars, party it up frequently and work a part time job as at a minimum wage gig, then complain about how things were easier for my generation. How we have taken the "good jobs" , well hate to say it but the demand for "Sumerian pottery design", "Sancrit poetry reader" and "South American basket weaving" just isnt there. Demand
105025426UAF Alumni said on Sunday, Oct 28 at 9:57 AM
And I can't get my Iphone to type coherently...
105025496no name said on Sunday, Oct 28 at 11:23 PM
i have been going to school online i have recieved my Associates, in business management, my bachelors in criminal justice and now working on my masters in Psychology. I was a single mom with four children most of the time and i am now in debt about 100,000. I have applied for several jobs in the field of criminal justice and management and i am being told " i have no in office experience" well thats because i have been in school. I have worked retail jobs to support my family while attending school. Sometimes i wonder if going to school to better my self and to become financially able to provide for my girls was even worth it. I have lots of paper but do they really amount to anything other that more bills right now thats a big question.
105074405John said on Monday, Oct 29 at 6:15 AM
It used to take 4yrs to graduate now 6yrs? I have had students tell me that they cannot get into the classes they need for their degree so it takes longer to graduate from UAA
105095476UAA Grad said on Monday, Oct 29 at 7:38 AM
UAA, as John said, is not as accessible for students to complete in 4 years, especially if you are a working parent. I graduated after 8 years of going part time when I could have finished it in 6 if the classes had been available when I needed them. I have 3 children, worked full time, and took summer classes when I could. I was frugal about my loans but still have about 35k in debt. The cost of books that you can't resell or reuse was ridiculous. I also found that the fees each year for various things that I never used or needed increased my debt dramatically. I was required to pay them even though I was listed as a part time student. I did not need the UAA paper, use the bus or shuttle, health services (had my own insurance and doctor), concert and activities - had my kids stuff to go to, and paid additional for parking. I found that about half to two-thirds of the students in my classes were in the same boat I was.
105102036Kathleen Tonn/ Move the Mountain Ministries... said on Monday, Oct 29 at 10:19 AM
The use and abuse of student loans is absolutely a choice made by a student!
105117061TedtheBear said on Tuesday, Oct 30 at 9:27 AM
During my years at UAF, I never had a car. Never left the campus for Spring break and I stayed in the dorms. While it would be nice to have a car, live off campus and all that, I realized that spend now, pay later will catch up with me sooner or later. But even around UAA campus, I see nice cars and place emptied around spring break. If this happened here, it happening else where all over. Most may say that they live frugally but that compared to the luxury style they are use to living compared when they were kids under their parents' dime.
105192586Anonymous said on Tuesday, Oct 30 at 5:45 PM
I heard there is a waiting list for the nursing program...guess the university is dysfunctional... Typical Alaska...the dysfunctional state...and the peoples just keep letting it happen...oh well...
105231412Anonymous said on Thursday, Nov 8 at 12:49 PM
has anyone noticed that some students are given grants then they are taken away half way thru the semester? claims are they expired their funds? those are graduate students, and most are taking loans to finish, but the fiscal year ends July...and they do this in October or November? Really? I would have to ask for an audit of that!
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