Yes, No, Maybe So: College Students’ Attitudes Regarding Debt

We examined college student attitudes regarding debt. Based on focus group interviews with 31 students from 4 different institutions within a Midwestern university system, data analysis yielded a continuum that captures students’ debt approaches while enrolled in college. Findings indicate that students avoided debt completely, made intentional efforts to minimize debt, or fully accepted carrying multiple forms of debt as an integral part of the college-going experience. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.