Ep 3. Student Loans

In season 2 episode 3 of Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj, entitled "Student Loans," the comedian takes aim at the student loan crisis in America. Minhaj begins by highlighting the shocking statistics around student debt, which has now surpassed $1.5 trillion and has left many Americans struggling to make ends meet.

Minhaj delves into the history of the student loan system, explaining how it has evolved over time from a government-run program to a private industry. He also exposes how for-profit colleges have taken advantage of vulnerable students, often leaving them with worthless degrees and mountains of debt.

The episode breaks down the different types of student loans, including federal and private, and highlights the pros and cons of each. Minhaj also explores the concept of loan forgiveness and how it currently only applies to a small percentage of borrowers, leaving many others in financial ruin.

Throughout the episode, Minhaj interviews several people who have been personally impacted by student loans, including a recent graduate who owes more than $250,000 and a woman in her 50s who is still paying off her own student debt as well as her daughter's.

Minhaj also offers potential solutions to the student loan crisis, such as free college education, income-driven repayment plans, and increased regulation of for-profit colleges. He emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue as a society, especially considering the long-term effects on the economy and future generations.

As with all episodes of Patriot Act, Minhaj infuses humor and pop culture references into his analysis of a serious topic. This episode provides a thought-provoking and insightful look at one of the biggest financial challenges facing Americans today.