Is cancelling student loan debt a good idea?

Asked by: Dr. Alfredo Johnson  |  Last update: October 18, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (11 votes)

Cancelling student loan debt may reduce unemployment by adding up to 1.5 million new jobs. Federal student loans represent 90.8% of all student loan debt, public and privately held ($1.77 trillion total).

Is canceling student debt a good idea?

Forgiving student loan debt would have a massive impact, not only on individuals, but on the economy as a whole. Economists say that canceling student debt would be one of the best ways to prevent a recession without further fueling inflation, since it is unlikely to have an impact on day-to-day spending.

Is cancelling student debt good for the economy?

The researchers' model posits that cancelling student loan debt won't cause an astronomical amount of inflation. To be specific, there would be a very modest uptick as a result, perhaps 1.8-1.9 percent. In fact, the policy of debt cancellation could boost the GDP by an average of $86 billion to $106 billion per year.

What are the negatives of student loan forgiveness?

The pros and cons of student loan forgiveness
  • Con: Forgiving debt is not fair to people who have already made their payments. ...
  • Pro: Debt forgiveness is the empathetic solution. ...
  • Con: Student loan forgiveness does not address the root problem and could even exacerbate it. ...
  • Pro: Debt cancellation could improve economic equity.

Why do people not want student loan forgiveness?

Student loan forgiveness, especially large amounts, is disproportionately given to the most educated rather than the least educated who perhaps need the most help! It's a regressive government program, taking from those with the least ability to earn and giving to those with the most ability to earn.

Is Cancelling Student Loan Debt a Bad Idea?

30 related questions found

Who is hurt by student loan forgiveness?

It penalizes hard-working Americans

We've already discussed how the poor and working classes are treated unfairly by this plan. But the unfairness extends to many middle class families as well who worked hard to pay off their student loans or their children's student loans.

Why the student loan forgiveness isn t fair?

1 Forgiveness is fundamentally unfair because it will ultimately be paid by taxpayers—many who have faithfully paid off their student loans, worked hard to pay for college, or chose not to go to college at all.

What are 3 effects of not paying back student loans?

It may take years to reestablish a good credit record. You may not be able to purchase or sell assets such as real estate. Your loan holder can take you to court. You may be charged court costs, collection fees, attorney's fees, and other costs associated with the collection process.

What are the disadvantages of forgiveness?

In particular, the tendency to express forgiveness may lead offenders to feel free to offend again by removing unwanted consequences for their behavior (e.g., anger, criticism, rejection, loneliness) that would otherwise discourage reoffending.

Does student loan forgiveness hurt your credit?

Although loan forgiveness can impact a credit score, the effect is often temporary. And for borrowers with federal student loans in default, the Fresh Start program could give them a clean slate, removing the default from their credit reports.

What happens when student debt is cancelled?

If you qualify for forgiveness, cancellation, or discharge of the full amount of your loan, you won't have to make any more payments on that loan. If you qualify for forgiveness, cancellation, or discharge of a part of your loan, you'll need to pay back the remaining balance.

Which race has the most student loan debt?

Who has the most student loan debt by race? Black adults are more likely to have student loan debt than those in other racial or ethnic groups. They are more likely than white adults to hold student debt at every level of educational attainment.

What is the average monthly payment for student loans?

The average monthly student loan payment is an estimated $500 based on previously recorded average payments and median average salaries among college graduates. The average borrower takes 20 years to repay their student loan debt.

Why cancelling student debt is good for the economy?

Cancelling student loan debt may reduce unemployment by adding up to 1.5 million new jobs. Federal student loans represent 90.8% of all student loan debt, public and privately held ($1.77 trillion total).

Why is student debt not worth it?

Student debt will not be worth it in every situation. Borrowing a large sum and entering a low-paying career will either not pay off financially or take a painfully long time to do so.

Who holds the most student debt?

Student Debt vs Income by Age Groups

Among the age groups, adults between the ages of 18 and 29 are the most likely to have student loan debt. Meanwhile, adults between the ages of 35 and 49 years old on average owe the most student loan debt.

Is forgiveness positive or negative?

Positive (or emotional) forgiveness is a therapeutic process of absolute forgiveness, which also involves reinstituting positive feelings and thoughts toward the offender. Negative forgiveness, on the other hand, is a situation in which forgiveness is extended while brooding over the act of transgression.

What is toxic forgiveness?

Toxic forgiveness occurs when an individual pardons another person prematurely or under duress, often without genuine resolution of the underlying issues. This form of forgiveness can stem from societal pressures, internalized guilt, or a desire to maintain peace at the cost of one's well-being.

Is there weakness in forgiveness?

Forgiveness isn't about weakness. It's about release. It's about letting go of the burdens others placed on you and reclaiming your peace. By setting down their weight, you free yourself to move forward, lighter and unburdened.

Do student loans fall off after 7 years?

Student loans don't go away after seven years. There is no program for loan forgiveness or cancellation after seven years. But if you recently checked your credit report and wondered, “why did my student loans disappear?” The answer is that you have defaulted student loans.

What percentage of people don't pay back student loans?

Roughly 42.7 million Americans have outstanding federal student loan debt — that's about 12.5% of the U.S. population, per census data.

Is it a crime to not pay student loans?

No, you can't be arrested or put in prison for not making payments on student loan debt. The police won't come after you if you miss a payment. While you can be sued over defaulted student loans, this would be a civil case — not a criminal one. As a result, you don't have to worry about doing any jail time if you lose.

Why don't people want student loan forgiveness?

Some who oppose student loan forgiveness view education as a private commodity that benefits the person who purchases it."

Why do student loans never go away?

Student loan balances may seem stagnant due to the significant portion of payments going towards interest rather than the principal. Initially, a larger share of a student loan payment is allocated to interest, with a smaller amount reducing the principal.

What is the moral hazard of student loan forgiveness?

Another concern of forgiving student debt is “moral hazard,” the idea that students might make riskier choices if they think their debt will end up being forgiven, Jones said.