An Examination Of Business Students Student Loan Debt And Total Debt

Abstract

Under the current economic environment and its high levels of unemployment, many people are turning to university education to attain higher education or simply to upgrade their skills and avoid continued unemployment.  This paper examines student workloads, debt levels, and the debt perceptions of junior- and senior-level College of Business students at a Midwestern state university during the current economic downturn.  The paper also examines factors that influence the level of student debt such as semester credit load taken, employment and family assistance.  Overall, the students felt confident in securing employment upon graduation and in managing their debt load.  Results of regression analyses indicated that expected salary was significantly influenced by this confidence.  Additionally, students’ confidence in their employment prospects and debt management abilities, and their belief that debt would impact their future lifestyles, were significantly related to student debt levels.