© 2024 University of Missouri - KBIA
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

The Check-In: Student Debt

It’s time to check your checking accounts - you might have been among the first Americans to receive their cut of the 1.9 trillion dollar COVID-19 relief package. Many of us will use this money for necessities - food, rent, gas - all essentials we’ve been worried about paying for over the last year. But what about your student loan payments?

Senate Democrats say a provision in this relief package - one that makes student loan forgiveness tax-free through 2025 - will pave the way for the Biden administration to approve a federal student loan forgiveness plan.

1 in 5 Americans has student debt. Over the past 20 years, in-state tuition and fees at public universities has grown 212%.

Business and Economics professor Marty Steffens and Missouri National Education Association representative Mark Jones spoke with Janet Saidi and our listeners about student debt and its future in the United States, as well as solutions and tips for successfully managing student debt or avoiding it altogether.

Are you struggling with student debt? Do you have loans for a degree you didn't finish? Have you completely paid off your student debt? Let us know by tweeting us @CheckIn_KBIA or by leaving a voicemail at  833-560-1329.

Be sure to stick around to the end of the episode, as we follow up with Mark Jones of the Missouri National Education Association  for a podcast exclusive as he gives advice for those struggling with their stduent loan debt.

Isabella is a student reporter in the KBIA Newsroom
Trevor Hook is a reporter, producer and morning anchor for KBIA 91.3 born and raised in New Franklin, Missouri. He graduated from the University of Missouri with both a Master's degree in Audio Journalism in 2020 and a Bachelor's degree in Convergence Journalism in 2018.
Hannah France is a convergence radio student at the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism – set to graduate with her Bachelor of Journalism in May 2021.
Fernando Narro is a Master's student at the University of Missouri School of Journalism.
Becca Newton is a student reporter and producer at KBIA. They will graduate from the University of Missouri in spring 2022 with a degree in Multimedia Convergence Journalism and minors in Peace Studies and History.
Janet Saidi is a producer and professor at KBIA and the Missouri School of Journalism.