The Student Loan Evolution: From Support to Strain

This chapter explores the transformation of student loan programs in the U.S., starting with initiatives aimed at workforce development and evolving into extensive financial support mechanisms. It highlights the troubling reliance of lower-income students on these loans, the implications of government involvement in lending, and the impact of for-profit colleges on debt levels and education quality. Key discussions include the predatory practices of institutions like Corinthian Colleges and the broader socioeconomic questions surrounding the objectives of federal student aid.