This book was phenomenal - I’ve read many of the other recent student loan histories and this one outshines them by weaving together the narratives of borrowers, legislative and regulatory history, and stories from policymakers and advocates.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This is a fascinating historical study of the student loan system in the US from early Pell grants to the current structure. This is a complex issue and there is lots of great information on how we got to where we are now, with many students unable to pay off their loans. There were lots of interesting anecdotal stories to help paint the big picture of how a variety of overlapping issues affect different types of people.

I would have appreciated a bit more comparison on what other nations are doing - is there a viable solution out there? As someone working in the higher education space in another country, I think the sole focus on the US was a missed opportunity.

Overall, it's an enjoyable and relatable read - it leaves you thinking about how things could possibly get better for future generations of students.

US student loans can be crippling for many, especially minority students. What are responsible ways to take on debt, and what should be avoided? How can the student loan system be reformed to enable more students to obtain a degree? This book offers a historical review of the US student loan system and offers possible reforms. An excellent read!

What a fascinating dissection of a complex and oh-so-timely issue this was... Berman does a great job capturing the multiple elements that play into the burgeoning student loan crisis. The history was interesting and the writing engaging. It's a long and involved book - but it's a complicated and involved issue, so that didn't surprise me. The writing style is easy enough to get into though, and with the sections divided as they are and replete with anecdotes and personal stories, it's quicker to read than you think it will be (and you can always skim if a particular piece of history is not to your taste or feels too detailed for you).

This is a topic that I am very interested in, but phew does it cause a bit of rage. In this book, Berman gives an in-depth look at the origin of our student loan system, the GI bill, PLUS loans, the increasing cost of education & loan dispursements, and a lot about predatory loans from for profit colleges. Working in finance/credit I can’t believe how many of those loans I saw - and they nearly never amounted to well-paying jobs. With the growth of well-named colleges jumping into certificates - are they really worth it? What about a non-target school? Really makes you think.
Berman also discusses how things have changed over the years, painting a scary picture for the future. Finally, she explains other ways we can help to fix this. Highly recommend to learn more about the student loan crisis!