America’s Student Debt Crisis: Marvin's Story | Consumer Reports

[@johnstibal2131]

52,000 for a social sciences degree is absurd. BOTH colleges and Lenders are preying on students with overpriced degrees and easy loans.

[@gilbertrosa7330]

John Stibal well said !!. The board of trustees and others aren’t looking out for students

[@cooldbz12mach1padilla]

They dont put a gun to their heads and tell them to get the loans. They are idiots for not thinking about it first.

[@DBrownofdc]

A master's degree in African American studies and a bachelors in pan African studies. The hell are you going to do with that?!

[@williamflynn1787]

I took a class titled "Black experience" my freshman year and it had a huge impact on me that I cherish to this day. You're right it isn't the most economic choice but history and it's lessons shouldn't be forgotten and someone needs to preserve that for the next generation. The people who taught in the Pan-African building on campus were full of such dedication and understanding I wanted to emulate them. 6 years later I still reflect on that part of my life and how quickly I grew because of them.

[@TheItsmegp46]

+William Flynn this is all well and good. I took some courses studying my Ancient Greek ancestry. I also took courses that led to a well paying career. This guy in the video obviously missed the part about college leading to a paying job.

[@Liuhuayue]

Sadly, what's done is done. Maybe he could figure out a way to combine this background with education, international or ethnic relations, research, or advocacy.

[@tthoma12]

he can teach, write a book, work with Usher

[@Chartoise]

Exactly! Utterly useless... But it's the fault of the loan company of course.

[@julianmartinez5806]

I feel really bad for you guys. I went to college for 4 semesters while working full time in the elevator industry.i had a 3.9 Gpa. I gathered $7000.00 In debt and after listening to Dave Ramsey I decided to stop going to school until I could pay for it in cash. after analyzing what my degree would return to me as far as yearly income I decided to not return to school and stick to my trade. a career as a dietician would have cost me $80k-100k in NY. today I am a elevator mechanic making $145k and it cost me nothing. I think I made the right choice. I usually encourage the youth in my church to stay away from student loans, take part time jobs to pay tuition and to stay in instate colleges. community colleges are cheap but most people are too prideful to attend one. I look at cost, pride can cost you a lot of money. I have friends who have graduated from Columbia and work as waitresses, with a student loan debt of $140k

[@MrShadowslasher]

don't do it fam

[@christinekisuule7685]

You can start off as a Masseuse and with that cash you can pay for your degree. Plus, it is related to that field. Cool???

[@willnew4745]

Jenny mss avoid doing that at all costs. Listen to some Dave Ramsey, maybe even call in you his show and ask him this. He will give you the reality of the situation you are about to get into.

[@willnew4745]

Christine Kisuule Being a is a terrible job. I have two close friends who have done it and they complain about the damage it has done to their hands.

[@daveyjones3016]

Went to Columbia University but ended up as waiters??? WTF did they study ?

[@princesssadieloo]

I went to community college and studied nursing. No debt, High salary, pension, 401K, job security... all comes down to what you study... Make yourself marketable by picking a major that's in demand.

[@robsledgegroupie]

princesssadieloo You must have a stronger stomach than myself - I eliminated entire career fields because of possible proximity to vomit and blood. Anything medical or dental as well as childhood education/interaction are things that would get me fired/arrested. I don't think surgeons are forces for good if they puke inside the bodies of others while working on them, and I have zero patience for anything under the age of 12 (and kids are germ buckets).

[@al.e123iis7]

Also make sure it isnt hard... I did computer science... absolutely extreamly hard... graduated but mann. The stress levels where extremely extremely high.. hw problem worth .000005 percent of ur grade. Would take 5 hours.. take more than 3 classes you'll be barely living....

[@saimanda_]

princesssadieloo “make yourself marketable” dang that sad college is like a human trafficking but for the minds 🤭

[@Divine_Inner_G]

SABrina 💯

[@courteneyclark7393]

Yeah, definitely go for what's in demand. Don't do something you actually love.

[@mikeharty4536]

This guy is obviously intelligent and articulate. I would suggest that he shoot for a career in public school administration. He has a nice way about him and a commanding presence; I could see him leading a school. Whatever struggles he faces now is shared by many in his age bracket. When he's in middle age he will be fine and the debt will be little if any.

[@TijuanaK]

Well said. I think it is overwhelming when first coming to terms with a large amount of student debt especially when you are finally learning and taking control over your financial life. The right career could put students with high debt in loan forgiveness programs and well before middle age, their student loan debt can be gone, but this takes a bit of asking questions to the right loan servicers, knowing and utilizing your options.

[@davidkippy101]

Public schools are bullshit. Don't encourage people to become public make work servants. They just end up stealing our hard earned money.

[@califiasrevenge77]

mike harty, i agree

[@benjig859]

Interesting

[@latoyalegemah787]

Fungwai Poon Affirmative action does not pay for school nor does it gurantee a spot within a school. Also affirmative action is not only for blacks but for ALL Minorities, the disabled and ALL women. Please do your research before making such ignorant and uninformed statements.

[@ryanborder189]

So he's already in debt that he can't pay so enrols to do a masters in a subject that is unlikely to earn a decent living-unbelievable

[@Omonike88]

He would need a PhD in that field to become a professor at a college. I hope he knows this. And it does not mean that there is a large demand for Pan African professors! It is so, so important to choose a profession that you will make money, at least enough to pay off your loans and to flourish in life!

[@ashleyw.6702]

I think, sometimes, people end up in such a financial mess that they almost take a "lottery approach" to their education: "If I just get this and then this and then that degree... I can earn $200,000+/year, which would mean that I can pay off the mountain of debt that I accumulated along the way super fast!!" But they don't realize that a lot of times, work experience and networking helps people to get those high-paying jobs, not just a degree.

[@samusaran181818]

1. To many people are so damn unforgiving. It's really tough being 18. Why do we hold this expectation of perfection over young adults? Why is everything treated as a tragic end? If a door closes, God will open a window. 2. Marvin has said that he wants to become a teacher. He's also on his way to paying his debt by working with a non-profit organization, which is a job that's qualifying him for loan forgiveness. He has found a way to get rid of his debt. 3. I have to say that I admire Marvin for his drive and determination. He's found solutions, and he didn't allow his difficult circumstances to stop him from achieving his goals. I'm grateful that he shared his strategies for overcoming his obstacles.

[@bryangomez1384]

He said professor not teacher, there's a difference you moron. Second, I was 18 too, that does not excuse stupidity. I have three degree and only 15k in student loan debt. You want to know how, I paid for my 2nd and 3rd degree out of pocket, the only loans I took out was for my bachelors degree to give me a stepping stone into life. People like you frustrate me so much!

[@camman6912]

Thank God you had a wonderful father That in itself is Gold

[@JermaineSam]

I'm sorry, I don't get it. 1. You got a degree in "insert ethnic here" studies which is almost useless in the private sector to go into debt and then doubled down to go further into debt just in hopes of getting them forgiven?! 2. If your degree is only useful to re-teach others in college that is a degree you should stay away from. Nothing wrong with wanting to help people but you have to help yourself first. You cannot be guiding others when you are choosing to make mistakes and then doubling down on them.

[@ashh1371]

I went down a path that’s a little different. I come from a poor family in the Appalachian mountains of Virginia. I looked at community college but all of the local community colleges didn’t offer classes that would transfer in my chosen academic field. So I went to the cheapest viable in state option, which just so happened to be a 4 year college close to my hometown. I worked my ass off (sometimes up to 3 jobs at any given time) to afford the basics of food, rent, utilities, medical expenses, etc. I had to take out loans to afford tuition and other school expenses, but I majored in a STEM field. I was essentially promised by my professors that they would get me a job at one of the three laboratories that’s within a 15 minute drive of the university (with a starting salary of 40k). During my last 2 years of school, two of these companies moved from the area and one greatly downsized. I had only one job offer in my field out of the 100 or so applications I submitted. The position was as a part time botanist making $9 an hour in a city where the average monthly rent is $1k. I ended up taking a temporary, part time job in economic development that paid $12/hr. where the cost of living is so cheap that I could survive on $12/hr. (Some of my friends joked that I was so rich because they’ve been making between $7.25-9 per hour their whole life). At the end of the allotted time at my temporary job, I decided to go back to school and earn my teaching licensure. Cost of loans immediately after graduating: $43k. Cost of loans from going back to school: $12k. I plan to use the same loan forgiveness program mentioned in the video. By the time I’m 35 or 36, I’ll have made ten years worth of payments. Also, in my local area, teachers are some of the top earners in the community (after skilled labor like welders, electricians, miners, etc., and then those in the medical field) I honestly think that my situation isn’t that bad compared to others but my generation as a whole has been scammed by those in the previous generations.

[@urhiredhr421]

This was a great success story for Marvin. Here is a man who pushed himself up from the very bottom. I would love to have Marvin as a friend.

[@bryangomez1384]

he lives in a boarding house, working for a non-profit with what's to be 90k in debt... I really don't see this as a success story. This coming from a black man that grew up in a 2 bedroom house with 6 people with three degrees and only 14k in debt.

[@marvinloganjr]

Just an FYI. Cultural Studies are chalk full of employment opportunities. I did not have an issue of finding a job. I'm comfortable where I am right now as I make plans for my future. I held office, went to school full time, and worked 3 jobs. It might help for you to form an opinion if you watch the entire video. Either that, or reading and listening may not be many of your strong suits. The point of the story was that I faced adversity and met it head on with a plan and action. There are many details we didn't get the opportunity to include.

[@colorsofavon934]

Your story is interesting although going into more debt is not the way to get out of debt. Get competitive with your job & your debt. Hang in there. You should try Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. He gives you the skills and a plan to tackle your debt. Best wishes.

[@elaecstasy]

Jobs like what? And what are the average starting salaries?

[@tthoma12]

I am very proud of you

[@willnew4745]

The debt to income ratio for a cultural studies degree is in no way appealing. Cultural studies is not chalked full of jobs, but you have done a great job at building your resume.

[@DoDgeSwaG]

I’m just curious, of how many Army recruiters approached and offered you an opportunity to receive your higher education debt free, full medical and dental benefits, rent and utilities free?

[@christophercarter129]

As an African American male with $78k in debt you knew you had a very small margin of error. Marvin you should have researched the major you decided to study and if looked how many jobs there was for African studies on indeed. None pretty much. You took a huge risk taking on that much debt for a degree that has no job opportunities. I know you wanted to follow your passion but sometimes your passion doesn’t pay the bills. Engineering, Nursing, Accounting, Hard Science (Chemistry/Physics), Computer Science, and specialized business degrees are the fields that pay starting salaries at or above the median household income in America and gives you the income to pay back your loans easily.

[@linaandrews5228]

He could have majored in business administration or economics.. that's always a safe degree, and pretty general..

[@KP-hi1om]

@@linaandrews5228 That's what I did. BS in Business Admin.

[@KP-hi1om]

The problem is that the second you tell someone that their degree make not pay very well is the second you'll be met with pushback. You are a dream killer insted of a realist.

[@gn6300]

I was born into a very poor minority family, but I worked up to three part time jobs to get through college. I graduated with $9,000 in student debt after four years. What degree did this guy get? Was it a marketable degree? Family play a big role on a person's pursuit of higher education.

[@PatrickMShaw]

Gerald N Yes it does.

[@bryonmiller4326]

African studies and Pan-African studies? What a useless degree, why do colleges even offer these courses? They should be on a different pricing structure. Degrees that have almost no demand at all should be practically free. Now he'll be $90,000 in debt and his only real option would be as a professor teaching this garbage to other kids that don't know any better.

[@patriotretiree903]

Without such degrees, the college drop out rate would be too high. These programs were developed to maintain government required quotas.

[@annjeanbs]

Bryon Miller Good point! I didn’t even think of that, teaching something that is useless and ruin young people’s lives. A person in that much debt can’t get married, have kids, buy a house, horrible situation! I don’t think he gets it, yet!

[@d.lawrence5670]

Um, Pan-African studies don't "ruin lives" any more than American or European history studies. You just can't get a freakin' job w/ those kinds of degrees, unless u get a PhD and are extremely lucky enough to get a college teaching position. And those positions are few and far between. You'd have more luck winning the lotto.

[@ShidaiTaino]

Bryon Miller colleges offer those courses because colleges are centers of academics. Not job training

[@Omonike88]

He will need a PhD to teach this in college!

[@alvingordon25]

The greatest lie ever told was that you had to go to college to be successful....

[@oco987]

He will be fine. Once he gets into a government or well funded nonprofit organization, he will raise quickly. He already has all the skills (networking/communication, mentoring, etc), a graduate degree and work experience. By the way, I earned a degree in African Studies. And I'm doing well. So you can do alot of with an African Studies or African-American Studies degree. I'm living proof. Those degrees build your sense of self. They are amazing.

[@lMP5602]

True. Non-profit jobs are actually very stable. plus, they offer on job trainings, and networking. Combine those with years on experince and skills allows one to easily find jobs and empoyed in senior positions.

[@catsspat]

Make student loans dischargeable in bankruptcy and banks will stop giving them out like candy, which will drop the enrollment rate like a rock, especially for majors that add no financial value, which will in turn force college cost to plummet. Don't just look at how to pay for something. Consider why that something is so overpriced. Also consider that trades that require physical presence, such as plumbing, electrical work, etc. cannot be outsourced, and don't require college degrees.

[@za4117]

Yeah but those aren't "prestigious" jobs that society thinks you should have. This misfortune is also a case of students getting all these liberal arts degrees that have no sound basis of job prospects in real world. There are only so many non-profit and urban jobs to pass around. I'm not saying they are useless degrees but the jobs just aren't there.

[@catsspat]

I also agree that studies of art isn't useless, but they're for affluent people in affluent societies. When colleges are no longer overpriced, we'll still have plenty of people pursuing such fields. As for prestige, I dare those people who don't respect skillful tradesmen to fix their own plumbings, fix their own cars, and transport their own garbage. LOL

[@catsspat]

"Poor families can pursue a degree with no intrinsic worth" *after* they save up for a good retirement. A bit later with freedom is way better than a life-long slavery. It really is a form of slavery, with the banks as the masters, with the enforcement backed by the government. And yet people think the government is on their side.... Some basic math would teach everyone that debtor is slave to the lender, but well, that requires proper education. Oops, we've come the full circle again.

[@PJsharie]

I went to college and amassed a ton of debt and am now looking into trade apprenticeships to help pay off the debt. There's a lot of money to be made out there that people don't know about.

[@JavaScriptJolt]

Diego Segundo I agree that the taxpayers should not have to bail out those with student loans. However, if given a choice, I would much rather bail out students with massive loan debt than the big banks.

[@5cats2kids8]

You're not the only one disenfranchised. You're not alone in your student debt. My daughter is over $100,000 in debt for a batchelors degree. No grants, no scholarships, and a middle class family, with a mother who worked the same job for 25 years, and is now on disability, so we can't help her. She was involved in philanthropist groups, made deans list, and graduated with honors. She's received nothing. No help, other than decreasing debt payments for one year while increasing interest rates. You are not alone.

[@applejellypucci]

Can she look into student loan forgiveness for federal or public service?

[@kcimb]

She should have looked into getting a marketable degree. Work through college. Drive a cheap car. Seriously.

[@edwinnochebuena1214]

i learned a trade made about 60k a year and getting school paid by my employer ....they just want to go to school and concentrate on it and be handed a job after graduating that is the issue...

[@DoDgeSwaG]

How many times did an Army recruiter call your house and offer your daughter the opportunity in a career of her choice, free college, live rent and utilities free, full medical and dental coverage?

[@wildbanana5628]

BeGreat 1989. That's exactly my point. Students should just follow the money, for they know 600 billion dollars go to the armed forces, and the armed forces would never think twice about giving you the money you need as long as you join in. Now, I recently graduated with an associate degree of science in engineering from a community college debt free, and my plan is to continue school to get the Bachelor's Degree in engineering. If I see that school is getting to expensive and they tell me that the only way to continue is by getting loans...DAMN THAT! I'll join the reserve program and have them take care of the costs. You need 100k to pay for school, no problem here you go, just join the reserve.

[@jonathanj9260]

Why the Master's degree? -___- Don't double down on stupid. Should have learned your lesson the first time. Pan-African studies is not a good degree unless you have a defined job and connections you can apply it to. My tip to students and people thinking of going to college is to learn how to pay for your degree before you even enroll in college, research what jobs are even available in your major, and research the job market.

[@reddavis4808]

I agree he already made a risky choice with the degree field. He should have listen to dad and not pursue the masters till he paid off the loan for the bachelors.

[@tthoma12]

well he seems satisfied. You should be angry at the predatory lending that makes kids pawns in an evil financial game not Marvin. Here in America you can do what you want. Now America needs to help him snd others,

[@felixthecat2786]

I think I can answer this question because it's obviously becoming an epidemic. I think school is seen as a safety net in a lot of cases. You take out loans for a bachelor's degree, but you can't pay them off right out of school. In this economy, you're lucky if you can find a job a year after graduation. It's just that tough out there. I decided to go to community college for my associate's degree (it was all paid for), and I did general studies. I transferred to a university and took out around 15,000 dollars in four small federal loans. When I came back home from college and couldn't find a job for a year and a half, going back to community college seemed like a way to give me time. I decided to turn the general studies degree into an accounting degree to defer the loans. (apparently everyone needs accountants...not...) This gave me some time to find a job (not accounting because I could not even get an interview for a part time bookkeeper job), so that I could save up money and pay my bills (I'm epileptic and I need to pay for health insurance because I can't work without medication). The job was only part time at first, so that meant that I needed to find another part time job...but I had no car and couldn't get a ride to a morning job. So that meant that I had to save up money for a year and a half to get a car. When I did, I could actually get another part time job and work full time. A year of that and my accounting degree is almost done, that means my loans are going to come due in August. But, I've decided to get a master's degree, so that will give me some more time to pay off these loans in the next two years. The master's degree program, isn't terribly expensive where I'm going to, so I could realistically work my way through school. A lot of kids are probably thinking, well I always wanted a master's degree and I need to buy myself some more time, so I guess I'll get another degree. In doing so....they take out more loans...and of course the second you graduate, those loans are going to come due. My confusion comes from the massive amount some of these kids are taking out. My biggest loan was a 6000 dollar loan. That's a lot of money, but if I had to, I could feasibly pay off that loan in half a year. Some of these kids are going to 40,000-60,000 dollar a year private schools! And taking out loans for all of it. Why would you do that?? Even further, why would a bank or the government lend someone like that a 60,000 dollar a year loan?? Does that make any sense? In my opinion, that is the definition of a loan shark. These kids have no collateral and many times no cosigner, how are they getting these loans?? The issue with the student debt bubble is that: The further and further you become disconnected from the idea that you have to pay back the loan, the worse it gets. You don't realize you have to pay back the loan until the bills start coming and then it's just a monster. I would say, if you had to take out a loan, don't take out more than a person makes a year on minimum wage. Take out loans that are feasible to pay back. If you have to buy yourself some time by going to school again, take some part time courses at community college. Forbearance isn't a good idea in the long term because those loans start accruing interest, but it's good enough if you really use that time to find a full time job that pays well.

[@FavSongs1980]

You sound bitter that you didn't achieve what this young man has and continues to achieve. Having a master's ( yes, I have one too) will only help in this economy and not hinder. Please educate yourself before commenting so you don't sound dumb.

[@directorbeau]

@@FavSongs1980 a master's in a stupid major is less valuable than a bachelor's in a good major. Educate yourself.

[@mikebrownplayingguitar1253]

A work trade skill,common sense,life skills and making money is more important than school based education

[@a87nomsirrah35]

I can relate to his struggle. For example, his neighborhood looks like mine. Knowing that there are no jobs in my neighborhood, I did the unthinkable: with only $1200 I moved to a city that is 112 miles away to get a FT job. I admire this guy for doing the unthinkable to reach what something that seems almost unattainable.

[@ashh1371]

kori harrismon I needed to do this but gullible stupid me spent all my savings immediately after graduation trying to find a job in the area of alma mater because my professors told me they had connections and could help me get a job. Hint: they didn’t but I found one myself that kept me from starving.

[@etate7147]

Loved this story! People waste precious seconds of their life to put something negative. The world we live in smh so much evil in the world and no one can be uplifting. I thank God for people like Marvin because so many people speak negative against our youth but are not willing to teach us. My parents are not financially wise. We had no knowledge or understanding of student loans. I was just told sign here. I never read through any of the information. i just needed the money by any means. So I am in the same boat. I didn't have the choice of living at home with my parents like most young adults. I worked 16 hour shifts while at Kent State and still couldnt afford the 659 i was paying for a 1 bedroom, plus my kid, food, etc. My brother who had two scholarships is in the same boat. I believe in you and know you will do great things. Thanks for sharing

[@timmychanofficial]

Erica Tate that's your fault

[@ChildSupportMadeSimple]

The student loan debt is not the only crisis. When you add child support payments on top then problem is worst. With both programs you cannot discharge in bankruptcy. Why is the government imposing this restriction on our future population.

[@MiamiPush2theLimit]

Usher should offer to pay his loans. Lots of employers do that in exchange for the employee working their job for a specified period of time.

[@itsmegp46]

These people who borrow so much money have to take personal responsibility. I've known too many college graduates with heavy student loan debt, once they get a good paying job, take on even more debt buying fancy cars, clothes, eating out every day for lunch, going out every single Friday and Saturday. Not to mention, moving out on their own right away. Then they have the unmitigated gall to complain how much they owe on student loans. Here is some advice: If you can, continue living with your parents, brown bag your lunch, keep that clunker a few more years, stay home and watch TV. At the same time, pay off that debt as fast as you can. Even add more each month to quicken the payoff time.

[@tthoma12]

I do everything you say and its not enough

[@Yobachi2007]

Wow, already 52,000 in debt, you double down with another 40 Gs in loans for grad school. You know if you would have focused on career, and got the right job, many companies will pay for you to go to school instead of you coming out of pocket for such an extrodinary amount. Further, there are state schools that are much cheaper. But like you said, you're just doing whatever you want to do, and not doing what's financially prudent. That's your choice, but don't come back and whine later about your debt burden, and about how you should be bailed out for your loans. You took out an unnecessary and copious amount of money to do what you want to do, now you'll need to pay for doing what you want to do.

[@tthoma12]

he went to Kent State and that was high.....its the entire student loan system.

[@mcnificenttt]

Well said

[@pacluv]

I agree with you 100%. People please think before you leap. Do your research before signing on the dotted line. What you do now will effect a lot of your decisions in the future. You don’t want to spend the next 30 years of your life paying for college.

[@brookmorgan6627]

Tell it brother

[@orlandocarrillo5552]

He will make a great leader and mentor for the youth of this country.

[@jbre7233]

What an incredible young man! He is well spoken to a degree that i could have only wished for at his age. I really hope good things come his way.

[@1IImrxII1]

So whats wrong with getting a job and building your way up and making a good living off of that, sounds to me like these collage students think going to collage was suppose to guarantee you a high paying position. Good luck with that

[@omgimgfut]

I made a collage once

[@williamflynn1787]

"sounds to me like these collage students think going to collage was suppose to guarantee you a high paying position." Uh yeah dude that's kinda the idea.

[@1IImrxII1]

+William Flynn no college can help you get a high paying job but it doesn't mean you are guaranteed a position over people who have worked hard and are more talented

[@dc76384]

What a college education is no guarantee of success. Why did my high school lead me to believe it was?

[@coolkid8324]

Mr.X well wtf you think ppl go because they love School? No you grow up with ppl drilling college into your head. “Goto School so you can be successful” oh please I made more money befor I went to college because now I have debt to pay & I didn’t make any more money I did before I started. I know a guy that just got out of jail after 14 years, a felon went to a 6 month welding program and makes $30 an hour. That shit don’t make no fucking sense. I did everything right & gets paid less then $14. Smh

[@bellareina05]

It should be illegal for them to loan money for these worthless degrees to protect people like Marvin. These interest/hobby studies can be learned at the library which is free or even online.

[@deekircher21]

A degree in Pan- African Studies? He should have chosen a degree that would get him a job

[@TijuanaK]

Do you have a career? Do you have a degree??? Are you so certain about what you're claiming?

[@resume1009]

Diana K no kidding. Total waste of time and money on that kind of degree.

[@marvinloganjr]

You realize I had a job right out of school right? Did you watch the whole video?

[@maryrosebutler8456]

@@marvinloganjr, yeah one that pays $25,000 a year. Are you planning to stay at that level for the next 10 years just to qualify to have it erased? Along with that you still have to make 120 consecutive payments that will go up every year at 5.1 interest.

[@d.lawrence5670]

He was not given any info regarding the marketability of specific degrees. You heard him say he was from an impoverished community where no one knew anything about this stuff. They probably all just said "go to college". And for most inner city teens, it probably would not even occur to them to do research regarding degree marketability. I mean, u can't know what u don't know and aren't taught.

[@cpoinsette]

Parents are a huge influence on what school and degree their children select. We need to be way more deliberate about this.

[@thelmaparker7888]

Do what the guy in Austin did. Sell you car, take you own liquor to bars and start a weekend job mowing lawns! Paid off his debt in a year. He did have a better degree which allowed him to make over 100,000 a year. Don't eat out! Focus on paying it off. Quit whinning!

[@dacypher22]

College can be well worth the money. I had a job weeks before graduation, increased my salary 8x the day I graduated and am comfortably paying my moderate student loans. I studied Computer Science, a high-paying, extremely in-demand field. You have to pick your major wisely and do not follow your heart unless your heart is leading you towards a STEM field. If your major is in the arts or has the word "Studies" in it, you need to change immediately.

[@TexasMade903]

Key point you got a degree in a high demand field.

[@Scorch1028]

I can't understand how people borrow upwards of '5 times' the amount of money they're likely to earn in a year. With accruing interest it can take over 30 years to pay off the loan.

[@noorinut3744]

I worked until 2am to pay my fees but never took a loan, I graduated from 4 years state university in accounting with no loans

[@vanessavenkov6668]

God and people want to get student loans and not pay it back, whilst they were getting useless degrees and partying their way through college, whilst people like you were working their asses off, making sacrifices, delaying gratification and pleasure, for future prosperity. Some people nowadays are just so entitled, wanting things they haven't earned, and blaming everyone but themselves, and demanding money from people who actually work hard, to pay their college tuitions...So fucking annoying, honestly. Good job dude, wish more people were like you.

[@patriotretiree903]

After the loss of scholarship, he should have gone to community college then transferred the last two years to a state school. If needed he could have worked full time and gone to school part time. It takes longer, but you graduate debt free. That's what I did and why I now do not have to work twice as hard and am not disenfranchised. Choices we make today effect our lives tomorrow.

[@johnnylira3312]

Thanks for sharing your story. Student Debt loans are so predatory. Then you realize job market is trash for a Liberal Arts degree.

[@olieantonetti7393]

So he went to a school he could not afford, chose a degree that has a very low return on investment, and borrowed money he could not pay back. Secondly, it does not sound like he had a real plan for the future. Part of the blame is with schools not explaining to him the repercussions of borrowing and choosing a degree that will land you a well valued job. I am all for studying gender studies, pan-african studies, etc., but that should be AFTER you have a well paying job, and are established making reasonable amount of money.

[@kingrefugee8888]

Nuts.... please don't listen to any parents that tell you this much debt is a good investment on your future.

[@sisonxxueidb2517]

If your bachelor's degree OR ESPECIALLY master's degree ends with "studies" you need to reevaluate your situation.

[@TexasMade903]

Great point.

[@danielparada8736]

I feel that this video needs to include a disclaimer slide about the student loan forgiveness program stating that only 1.68% of people that have applied have actually gotten their debt forgiven.

[@Makaylah13]

Wait wtf? He took out loans for CLOTHES and a laptop? I guess meeting Usher made him thought he was too good to work to pay for clothes like everyone else huh?

[@martin4819]

We shouldn’t be talking about student loan forgiveness, we should be talking about why getting a degree has become so expensive! It wasn’t this way when I went to college. What changed about learning?

[@jackmannsmd]

Thanks Marvin (and Consumer Reports) for sharing this amazing story. Marvin, this is just the beginning of your continued and very bright future! But I do agree, we as Americans -and as underrepresented citizens- need to look at student loans with a critical eye... take our experiences to help reformulate better options for tomorrow.

[@attackfive8659]

He’s not learning from his mistakes. The same mistake he made with an overpriced degree in undergrad he repeated going for his masters. Granted, he’s strong, and he’s confident, but he’s not making smart decisions. We African Americans have to stop relying on others to do for us and tell us what to do, and complaining about society’s ills when it doesn’t work out. We have to start making our own smart decisions. Still, I earnestly pray he and his family succeed!

[@paulnupe1911]

If his father had a job, why weren’t his kids on his healthcare plan? This doesn’t add up……but you live with your choices in life.

[@trooper8464]

Funny thing is that education is free now thanks to the Internet.

[@directorbeau]

Put that on your resume

[@BattleFirstAidResponderServ]

I am graduating with over $30k in student debt. Scholarships really help but many people do not consider the extra costs involved in going to college: health insurance, housing, transportation, etc. that many students have to pay out of pocket for. I am so happy that there are programs out there that can forgive student loan debt with being involved in nonprofit organizations. Great story!!!

[@TexasMade903]

I've already told my kids do not expect me to go broke paying for your college education. You either earn a scholarship, join the military and use the gi bill which is what I did, or go to a trade school.

[@illegalalien6542]

I hate to be "That guy" but the fact is all the people that sit there crying about student loan debt really have no one to blame but themselves. They CHOSE to go to college. They CHOSE to take out loans and in most cases (Not all) they CHOOSE to live above their means. I chose not to go to college and put myself through all that. I chose to learn a trade instead (Carpentry) and as such I'm debt free. I live a simple but fullfilling life and love what I do.

[@mikebrownplayingguitar1253]

A degree is just a piece of paper,showing you stuck and completed something.

[@GrigoriyNoviko]

Its sad that some young ppl feel like they have to sign up for loans

[@BattleFirstAidResponderServ]

What an amazing story of someone who sees the positive reinforcements of working in the public nonprofit sector to pay off his student loans. He bought such a positive message that it may not be easy but there is hope around the corner for those struggling with student loan debt.

[@iomis2001]

You don't need college. That is an incorrect mindset. You can also go to trade school. It seems like his father was uneducated about how the world works and now his son is in debt. People need to research if what you are going to college for is viable in the job market. Don't get a degree in anything that says studies.

[@chahatpadda9121]

a degree pan-african studies isn't the best option to get plenty of jobs

[@queenmajesty895]

Some of the people who serve our young people the most are carrying insane student loan debts. As an educator, I think that federal and state education departments are doing it wrong. High school students need more opportunities while in high school for community leadership & service, as well as job training. They also need more KNOWLEDGE of opportunities for college level learning credit. Earning college credit while in high school could have SIGNIFICANTLY reduced the cost of college for this young man. Any competent student can complete a two year degree in less than a year for about $2000. They can use income from a part time job to pay for this education. Only having 2 years of college left to complete a BS degree would have significantly reduced Marvin's student loan balance.

[@paulnupe1911]

….and then they keep saying that no one told them about interest and debt, etc. that doesn’t sound right in today’s world…..why should the uneducated person be saddled with these guys college debt that they don’t pay off……and today there’s a shortage of workers in the USA …..C’MON MAN!

[@lionelspencer-ward3527]

So the ability to run fast is the entrance exam for university??? You don't see the red flags....This is the first line a con-man would use..

[@Robin_R.]

This has been the best educational video from CR that I have seen.

[@gearexecutive]

I'm shocked this content comes from CR, way off base for them. I don't pay my membership dues and semi annual donations for this type of socialist sob story.

[@duancoviero9759]

you're an idiot, it was very informative if anything.

[@tthoma12]

+gearexecutive u sound racist....be supportive

[@tdrummer444]

Wow, I ran track against Marvin in High School. I also have an almost insurmountable amount of debt from school. Hopefully being an RN will help.....

[@TheItsmegp46]

Sorry Consumer Reports, the vast consensus on this forum is the student has to take responsibility for their own actions.

[@karimbennett5651]

Oh, this can be fixed. Apply for a management trainee position at a big, global bank. In five years, that could lead to a VP in marketing position.

[@ladykemma3]

Karim Bennett yes this

[@mikebrownplayingguitar1253]

I do not feel sorry for college grads in debt.You can make good money with a vocational skill,with low debt.

[@aragornsargonath6793]

Every single time I watch these videos about how people have so much student debt and are completely unable to pay it back because they can't find a job, I first wonder what degree they received. Then I find out they get degrees like what this guy got....a degree in "African American Studies". Degrees like that are useless in getting people higher paying jobs to pay back student loans.

[@4crazy1chick2]

Aragorns Argonath agreed.

[@fromthefuture9728]

Decides to take on another $40k. What an awkward turtle.

[@ruslanbollaev3353]

Guys remember Universities are only for rich people, it's always been this way and always will be. NO EMPLOYER asks what and where you studied, they will never ask for your GPA or transcript but what they WILL ASK is what's is your related job experience and if you don't they will say "comeback when you gain more experience" that's all. People who disagree with me answer this question " why is school so expensive ? Rich families often have connections so when their kid graduates they already know where he or she is going to work. Typically for another relative or family friend and when they gain that experience they are set for life. If you are from a poor family or village going to school may put you at risk of never getting employed in your field and on top of it you may have about 56000 of debt assuming you pay 7k per semester times 8 semesters, also this debt may be higher if your parents live too far from school you may consider living in forms which puts extra price onto your expensive education. What to do ? Come up with business idea. Ps Student loans are exempt from bancruptcy or consumer proposal so your debt can only be eliminated by paying it off, on top of it you will not be able to get a mortgage or a car loan cause of significant student debt. In 4 years you may join some construction union save down payment and get mortgage at very least that will be investment into your own property instead of useless piece of paper.

[@thedhive6512]

Considering after stating "the two things my dad told me" then you rattle off three, that's indicative of something.

[@busterbiloxi3833]

A Masters degree can get you many jobs if you hustle. This guy needs some street smarts.

[@MsChemicalEngineer]

I received a bachelor of engineering in Chemical and Nuclear engineering, a masters in economics and one in finance, my student debt: : $ 2,500. My major was in demand, what parent allows their kid to major in African studies or sociology. One of my son’s friends studied music education and has $125,000 in debt...worthless.

[@johnnylira3312]

Run for political office Marvin.

[@waverly2468]

Wow--I went to KSU in 1975-1977. At that time it was a low-cost college that was not well regarded. But several years ago I did read a Wall Street Journal piece about how expensive it is now.

[@tthoma12]

all colleges-- public and private-- are expensive

[@bipi4363]

Community college and trade schools would have been a better option instead of studying for two degrees in victimization.

[@OnyxDavid11]

I don't care how impoverished you are. If you are BLACK in America, getting an education at a university means acquiring an obscene amount of debt WITH NO GUARANTEE OF REPAYMENT. This is a mistake that may follow you for the rest of your life. Keep in mind, most loan forgiveness programs require that you work in very specific public sector jobs for an uninterrupted period of at least 10 years. I don't know many brothers who have been fortunate enough to hold a public sector job for that long, with the purpose of paying off surmounting student loan debt. My advice: use your Pell Grant money and get a certificate in skilled labor. That way, you can earn a good living WITHOUT CRIPPLING DEBT. If you still feel the need to get a worthless degree then at least, you'd be able to pay for it OUT OF POCKET. Do not make the mistake of taking out student loans. It could be one of the biggest mistakes you'll ever make!!!!

[@SpidermansSymbiote]

Why on earth would you pick such a useless degree like African studies? You should have the common sense to know there’s no jobs in that and it’s a waste of money.

[@mariojohnson4695]

My degree was in political science, I didn’t want to go to law school, luckily most of my employers were only interested in the fact that I had a degree. The jobs trained me, usually the college kids caught on to technology quicker, the employers I had just liked the idea that I was disciplined enough to get a degree. I didn’t make huge money, but it was a good career. Bottom line today, college is too high and it appears the only degrees that pay are STEM jobs, but everyone can’t do STEM, we do need English degrees and other liberal arts degrees and that’s the dilemma.

[@Makaylah13]

Ladies check the credit score of these men before they try and talk to you

[@KarinasaurusRexx]

Good luck Marvin. You have a good head on your shoulders. I think you will succeed.

[@Beenosteve]

Maybe he can get a teaching certificate and be a school teacher. Maybe there are programs that he could use to get loan forgiveness.

[@adamdawson3274]

This is a nice story, but I wish there does not always have to be rap music. The voices and music all sound the same. I do hope Marvin will make it and be 'forgiven' for his loans under the program. He is steady, hardworking and doing the best he can under his circumstances. His father is very loving. Beautiful.

[@lashondamcfaddenakaelliema4735]

This is my story.. in a way…first generation college student…we didn’t know about finances, investments, etc. So I have thousands in student debt, but I also have a degree that allowed me to get a decent paying job. So I live a good life…still have loan debt, but I am a home owner, married, kids, living the American Dream…its not all good, its not all bad…such is life…

[@DavidRichardson28]

Don't blame the govt. Stop taking these loans.

[@gbriank1]

I guess I'm confused. Many of us weren't graced with the ability to tap in to sport subsidies. We either worked or took out loans. This is the only way I got through college. After graduation, I pinched every penny and paid off my debt. I guess I don't see what makes this special.

[@luvmbooty2]

What makes this special is the AMOUNT of money that is owed. Will your children or their children be able to pay the tuition for their education because it will only get higher.

[@yorktmd]

That's how privilege works

[@gbriank1]

Choose a field of study with low pay or poor demand, that is the choice of the student. I guess I don't comprehend how an adult (student) isn't taking responsibility for their actions.

[@gbriank1]

Has nothing to do with privilege. But rather, choice. They chose to proceed down this path.

[@Nitaka12]

umm..he lost his sports scholarship.

[@krissifaith4184]

No one forced us to sign those loan agreements...NO ONE HELD A GUN TO OUR HEAD or even told us we had to go to expensive schools. We need to own up to our decisions. It is possible to graduate without debt...we are not victims. We are not disenfranchised. We made these decisions...pay it off with fierce tenacity...work a few side gigs. In other countries we cannot have more than one job...so take advantage of that. It can be done!

[@thelegendkillersshittyduff1335]

krissi faith if ur 18 ur not thinking bec of life experience. God people are stupid.

[@Tuxster3]

It's sad for me to say, but colleges and universities are not employment agencies. They are granters of degrees, if you successfully complete your coursework.

[@banstaman]

This was kind of vague, though. I mean yes college would be great if it were more affordable, but it's basic economic principles; we simply have too many students enrolled and the cost of college is expensive due to excess demand. More over, I don't quite recall where in this video they pointed out his major. But so many kids these days go to college without knowing what they want and they go there to learn useless things which should be hobbies. The only ones who SHOULD really be in college are those majoring in something useful like economics/engineering/chemistry/accounting/supply chain logistics. What are the job prospects for students who majored in Victorian poetry/oppression studies/feminist dance therapy/communications/film/Germanic literature/etc.? These are things you can just do at home or at a public library; and when you can't get a job and default on your loans, it isn't rocket science to know that those majors are useless. Education at such a level is an investment and like all other investments in life, you're ultimately responsible for doing proper research to maximize your return[s].

[@CaliforniaArchitect]

I agree, but they did mention his degree. It was in "Pan-African Studies" whatever that means.

[@PatrickMShaw]

Im a firm believer of "doing whatever makes you happy", but damn... Pan-African studies??? That ain't the way my brotha. Knowledge is a powerful tool. I for one love learning about the beauty of my black ancestors but tbh there isn't much of a financial return on a degree like that. it's hardly marketable...

[@motiseer]

Should have studied engineering or finance. Wtf is african American studies

[@olive9978]

Never get a degree in anything that ends in “studies”

[@mathewp5023]

What time is it? 1:29pm and Kent State still sucks!

[@Lisaap206]

I’m honestly so tired of people debunking the people who take out loans and the choice of degree they have! What’s messed up is this system! The whole education system is fucked up from the standards to the cost. You’re basically gonna have to pay triple the amount of INTEREST not the amount of loan u took out. Fuck this system.

[@codywilliams2960]

Its because there are no jobs in pan-african studies....like wtf. University has multiple degrees that will do NOTHING for you. Even some engineering degrees my friends have its tough to get a ob in their field. University is mainly a waste of time if youre not smart about it. Network, start a side-project, and find your dream. Don't go to university to get A's. You're just going to waste your freaking time and be sucked into the university scam. A degree is a piece of paper and useless unless you don't use what you learned and apply it to something.

[@holdmybeer]

"StoryCorps" should have this father and son record their story. Good job Marvin.

[@Rickys_working]

I feel like college is a waste of time if you don’t major in something that is in DEMAND!!!!!!! Loans are serious they are just that a LOAN and I understood when I signed for them I went to school for early childhood and withdrew because my amounts were adding up and when I did my research the pay in my area was too low for all this loan debit I accumulated. You have to do your research! Everyone screams go to college but you need to research!

[@user-gl1rc9ts1p]

My DAD also told me the same thing but he told me why go to college when you can have then work for you. That set me up to become an inventor entrepreneurs.

[@dogan6070]

I have no degree in college, but the good Lord provide for me everyday. PRIASE JESUS/GOD.AMEN.

[@ShidaiTaino]

Ivan Drago why are you testing God

[@directorbeau]

How do I priase?

[@cmscms123456]

I went to Community College, nights, after my full time job. After 3 years, I got my AA Degree, 2 years more and my pay went from $8.50 per hour to $22.00 per hour. NO SCHOOL DEBT.. NONE. Actually my employer was nice enough to pay ALL of my tuition, books and fees. Even so, Community College is MUCH CHEAPER, a better start, than a 4 year college. If you do go to Community College, there are 3 main tracks to consider. 1. TRANSFER to a 4 year. You MUST TAKE TRANSFER UNITS ONLY !! See you counselor. 2. AA Degree only, pick a major, see your counselor. 3. CAREER CERTIFICATE ONLY, pick a career, see a counselor. ALSO.. MAKE SURE you are picking education/degree that actually has a job attached at the end... Humanities NOOOO... Sociology .. NOOOO Art History... NOOOO !! Minority Studies..? NOOOO !! (My experience, Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, CA, AA, Elect/Mech Design Drafting, CAD.) A friend of mine, his wife went to OCC and took 'respiratory therapy' she was HIRED, BEFORE she graduated... Once completing her Community College education/degree, she was allowed to take a STATE OF CALIFORNIA LICENSE, (her pay also doubled, from $8 to $16 per hour.. on a 2 year COMMUNITY COLLEGE DEGREE) These are two examples of Community College education WITH a JOB ATTACHED AT THE END... In California the first year at Community College is FREE ! Check into it. ALSO.... You can begin Community College while you're still in High School and DUAL CREDIT... thus getting credit for high school AND COLLEGE. College IS NOT A HAND OUT... GET OFF YOUR BUTT, and WORK FOR IT. I went to summer school EVERY YEAR... AND I WORKED FULL TIME. For me, now 30 years later, I am STILL WORKING my 2 year AA degree, making mid $30's per hour. I have taken many enhancements classes along the way, all employer paid. Find me ONE person that has their 4 year college degree and after 30 years is still working in their major... That is VERY RARE... Colleges, universities won't tell you that though.

[@DavidRichardson28]

If college is a must then why didn't his father pay. Lol. This is a joke. You took the loan. Pay it back. You shouldn't have went to Kent your father should have not let you go. Too late. Now pay

[@JordanMadera]

"Quality Education" LMFAO.