The Roosevelt Institute 295d ago

The promise of higher education has become entangled in a crisis of affordability, access, and rising debt—leaving millions of Americans questioning whether the cost of a college degree is worth it. With over 43 million borrowers collectively carrying more than $1.7 trillion in student loan debt, the United States is facing a generational challenge that disproportionately burdens Black, brown, low-income, and first-generation students. The consequences are far-reaching, impacting mental health, homeownership, family formation, wealth-building, and long-term financial security. Even after the Biden administration canceled over $180 billion in student debt, tens of millions of Americans remain in repayment or at risk of default, and the foundational issue—how we finance higher education—remains unresolved. On the evening of September 4, 2025 we hosted a 90-minute webinar that brought together advocates, experts, youth leaders, and researchers for a timely, solutions-focused conversation. We assessed the progress that has been made, identify the gaps that remain, and offer bold visions for tuition-free college and long-term debt justice. Learn more: https://rooseveltinstitute.org/ Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/rooseveltinst Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Roosevelt.Institute/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roosevelt-institute/ Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/rooseveltinstitute.org © Roosevelt Institute 2025