Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

McAllister, Carolyn

Abstract

This is a proposed study regarding student loan debt and mental health. This study would impact social work practice and education by understanding the mental health status of those continuing to pay off student loan debt. Student loan debt has become an enormous issue in the United States, with the average student carrying $37,000 in debt. Students are impacted financially and emotionally, and their overall well-being is compromised because higher education has become unaffordable for many without the assistance of student loans. Students need to understand the short and long-term implications of student loan debt, such as mental health issues and financial instability. Students should become aware of financial resources such as scholarships, financial counseling, and repayment/forgiveness programs to mitigate the implications of student loan debt. The target population of this study would have been current and graduated college students with at least one student loan debt. The study would have used surveys and interview guides to help understand the mental health implications that student loan debt proposes.

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