A recent survey of 2017 college graduates from Pennsylvania
found they were carrying the highest average student debt load in the nation.
The annual survey ,
conducted by LendEDU, found that 67 percent of the state's new college grads
left school last year with an average debt load of $36,193. That's about twice
as much as the $18,425 new college grads in Utah — the state with the lowest
student debt level — incurred.
To put it in perspective, the average Pennsylvania
graduate's debt load last year was about $10,000 more than the cost of a new
2018 Chevy Impala.
The Project on Student Debt, another national survey
published by the Institute for College Access and Success, also ranks
Pennsylvania graduates near the top for student debt. Its last national survey
— for the class of 2016 — showed Pennsylvania graduates with the second highest
level of student debt, an average of $35,759. About 68 percent of new
Pennsylvania graduates in that survey were loaded up with debt.
They are part of a growing group of 44 million Americans
who owe about $1.3 trillion in student loans. And some of them are carrying
well more than the average. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency
reported that 1 million Americans are carrying $100,000 or more in student
debt.
Some worry that student debt is forcing new graduates to
delay buying homes and starting families and may foreshadow changes in the
classic American Dream.
Robert Strauss, an economist and professor of public policy
at Carnegie Mellon University, said the numbers reflect economic realities in
the Keystone State.
"What it says to me is that we are a below average
income state with above average tuition," Strauss said.
He said the debt rate reflects high tuition rates at the
state's public universities where state support lags well behind the levels in
many other states.
"We've been seeing prices rise because state aid has
not been very generous. So the kids are getting admitted and they're rolling up
the debt. The next question is: are they getting well enough educated so they
can pay it back? Research shows higher education generally has a higher pay off
than a high school degree, but that doesn't mean it's a clear win for
everyone," Strauss said.
The students of Lawrence County need to do a cost benefit
analysis when it comes to life after high school graduation. Should they go to
college, trade school, military, or enter the workforce? What type of return will
they realize on the investment of a post-secondary education? What are other
alternative pathways outside of a traditional college or university that can
lead to financial security?
According to Forbes.com the lowest paying college majors
are:
1.
Early Childhood
Education $39,000
2.
Human Services $41,000
3.
Studio Arts $42,000
4.
Social Work $42,000
5.
Teacher Education $42,000
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics the highest
paying skilled trades are:
1.
Construction Manager $101,000
2.
Pile Driver Operator $63,987
3.
Avionics Technician $63,862
4.
Aircraft Mechanic $63,590
5.
Boiler Maker $63,236
According to Forbes.com
the highest paying college majors are:
1. Petroleum
Engineer $136,000
2. Pharmaceutical
Sciences $136,000
3. Metallurical
Engineer $98,000
4. Mining/Mineral
Engineer $97,000
5. Chemical
Engineer $96,000
As another senior class
is half-way home and can see the light at the end of the tunnel, I encourage
them to plan their future and choose a career that they love so as to never
have to work a day in your life. Our future workforce needs to realize that
there is a path for all, but each path may be different. College is not for
everyone. The trades are not for everyone. The military is not for everyone. Be
discerning in your decision. Be purposeful in your path. Be the best YOU, that
YOU can be.
