Robert Brayton, CPP, Photog. Cr

Student Debt: The Unique Circumstances of African American Students

Discussions of student debt frequently treat borrowing for college as a general problem. As a result, they pay inadequate attention to the sharp differences in borrowing and repayment patterns across demographic groups. The data presented in this report show that African American students face unique difficulties. Addressing these difficulties is critical to ensuring access to meaningful educational opportunities for all who can benefit.

African American students are more likely to borrow than students from other racial and ethnic groups pursuing similar types of degrees, and are more likely to borrow relatively large amounts. (more…)