Are Students the New Indentured Servants?

College student-loan debt has revived the spirit of indenture for a sizable proportion of contemporary Americans.

College student-loan debt has revived the spirit of indenture for a sizable proportion of contemporary Americans. It is not a minor threshold that young people entering adult society and work, or those returning to college seeking enhanced credentials, might pass through easily. Because of its unprecedented and escalating amounts, it is a major constraint that looms over the lives of those so contracted, binding individuals for a significant part of their ... Full Story »

Posted by Dale Penn
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Subjects: Business, Living, Education
Topics: Youth, College
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Posted by: Posted by Dale Penn - Feb 5, 2009 - 8:19 AM PST
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Edited by: Dale Penn - Feb 5, 2009 - 8:19 AM PST

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Patricia L'Herrou
3.9
by Patricia L'Herrou - Feb. 6, 2009

a useful view of the burdens placed on those who have student loans to get through college/graduate school. while the comparison to indentured servitude is perhaps too far, there's validity in discussing the weight of the burden it places. what's most important here are some other models of how to do this with a much smaller burden. not enough discussion of the role of universities in skyrocketing costs, nor of how this limitis lower-paid public service job choices for graduates..

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Marsha Iverson
4.2
by Marsha Iverson - Feb. 5, 2009

Detailed look at the growing burden of student debt and alternative ways to fund higher education. At stake is our fundamental belief that all are created equal, and deserve equal access to education as a rightful portion of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

I believe it is time to reexamine the entire system of higher education, including critical evaluations of the value and quality of the products sold.

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Taylor Bernal
4.4
by Taylor Bernal - Nov. 18, 2009

This article examines the financial reality of many college students and draws comparisons to indentured servitude. The author takes a bold stance, but it is well-written and supported by evidence.

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Dale Penn
4.0
by Dale Penn - Feb. 5, 2009
See Full Review » (2 answers)
Norman Rogers
2.8
by Norman Rogers - Feb. 5, 2009

Does not cover the aspect that the students are being exploited by the colleges so as to enrich the colleges.

These debts should be dischargeable in bankruptcy. This would keep the lenders from lending to students studying a course with poor job prospects. The amount of the loans should be limited. Students should not be encouraged to borrow huge amounts to enrich elite colleges.

See Full Review » (7 answers)

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