Drexel University

The Center for Hunger-Free Communities

Solutions Based on Science and the Human Experience

I Just Try To Do What's Right

My girls keep me going. I don’t want them to go through what I went through. I don’t want to say perfect, because nothing’s perfect, but I just want them to just have like, a perfect little upbringing. You know what I mean? I’m not promised any day, but I try to make the best out of what I can, and teach them as much as I can teach them, and what they need to know, as far as living, life, bad things, good things, bad people, good people – I just try to do what’s right, what’s best for them. 
– Juell F.

Student Debt

While pursuing higher education is one of the best ways to increase one’s income and escape poverty, student debt can also hinder a family’s economic success.  With millions of unemployed workers returning to school during the 2008 economic recession, private loan companies and for-profit colleges have taken advantage of the opportunity, leaving students with unmanageable debt and no additional skills.  Those interested in furthering their education should look at federal student loans – the safest kind of borrowing – before considering other options.

Current Issue

Check out a video of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Hearing called, “Drowning in Debt: Financial Outcomes of Students at For-Profit Colleges,” June 7, 2011.

Useful Links and Reports

Peter Goodman, “In Hard Times, Lured Into Trade School and Debt,” New York Times, March 13, 2010.

Peter Goodman, “In Hard Times, Lured Into Trade School and Debt,” New York Times, March 13, 2010.

“Still Denied: How Community Colleges Shortchange Students by Not Offering Federal Loans,” April 2011.

Issue Brief from the Project on Student Debt – “Still Denied: How Community Colleges Shortchange Students by Not Offering Federal Loans,” April 2011.