CBSN Originals Season 6 Episode 5 The Student Debt Dilemma
- March 25, 2021
The Student Debt Dilemma is the fifth episode of the sixth season of CBSN Originals. This episode takes an investigative look at the rising amount of student debt in the United States and its impact on the economy, society, and individuals' futures. Through interviews with debt-burdened students, experts, and policymakers, the episode poses questions about the effects of unaffordable college costs in the US.
As student loan debt in America surpasses $1.7 trillion, younger generations are feeling the burden of student loans, which can take years or even decades to pay off. Many students leave college with a debt that exceeds their starting salary, causing significant psychological and economic pressure. The episode argues that student debt has become a predatory industry that actively exploits young people and feeds off their aspiration to attain their dreams.
This episode sheds light on the struggles of individuals, including some who cannot afford to pay off their loans and are stuck in a vicious cycle of debt interest perpetuation. The episode also blames government policies for allowing the student loan complex to thrive and criticizes universities and colleges. The educational institutions have skyrocketed tuitions and hidden costs, leading students in churning out more student loans than any country in the world.
The episode also explores alternative funding methods, such as income-share agreements that purport to help students, but criticizes the programs for their inability to deliver necessary income. The program focuses on some non-college alternatives, like vocational schools and apprenticeship programs, that provide students with a good education without accruing substantial debt.
The Student Debt Dilemma provides an in-depth analysis of the causes and implications of this growing crisis and examines how it affects all levels of society in the US. By delving into the roots of the problem, this episode shows that student debt does not just affect the individual borrower, but it has a rippling effect on the economy and, consequently, national development.
Overall, The Student Debt Dilemma episode of CBSN Originals Season 6 provides viewers with a thought-provoking glimpse into a topic that is becoming increasingly vital in the US and worldwide. The episode discusses valid questions and offers some insight into the problem and its ticking time bomb.