I agree, but I would say that's not the real problem here. Take the story in the article for example. My guess is that guy majored in English, and he did it because he understands it and likes it.
That should be fine and enough because there is value in English; he's a teacher, he's definitely gonna produce a TON of value over his lifetime for society (and, discussion over fair wages for teachers aside, enough money). More than the $35k debt he graduated with.
Or take the lady who has payed $63k towards her $8k original debt.
The problem here is that the student loan debt market is structured such that this value won't actually pay the debt. If they tie you in with perpetual debt, they can essentially "tax" you for the rest of your life, and because student debt is some sort of exception, there's nothing you can do to default out of it. What corporation wouldn't take the incentive for this essentially free, steady monthly income?
That should be fine and enough because there is value in English; he's a teacher, he's definitely gonna produce a TON of value over his lifetime for society (and, discussion over fair wages for teachers aside, enough money). More than the $35k debt he graduated with.
Or take the lady who has payed $63k towards her $8k original debt.
The problem here is that the student loan debt market is structured such that this value won't actually pay the debt. If they tie you in with perpetual debt, they can essentially "tax" you for the rest of your life, and because student debt is some sort of exception, there's nothing you can do to default out of it. What corporation wouldn't take the incentive for this essentially free, steady monthly income?