Great topic! This is an issue which has caused me to think a lot. I am in the last year of my Master's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. If I play my cards correctly next Spring, then I will move from an internship right into a position with our state VR office. Once in they have a loan forgiveness program which will forgive my debt. I am very grateful that I have that opportunity because quite frankly I do want to go on for my doctorate. The loan forgiveness will be a great asset because I can then move into the doctoral with a clear slate and a state job to boot.
Secondly, I wanted to add one more thing to this conversation. Within the last year or two the government has taken over these loans. My thoughts about this move was this: First of all, the government really should not be managing student debts. Secondly, as such I can foresee in the future the government being able to step in and say, "since you defaulted and cannot afford to repay your debt, then I am sorry you will not be able to receive governmental subsidies such as public assistance or disability benefits." That worries me because quite honestly that could affect a large number of people. Right now the rules and regulations regarding default for those on disability is that the cash benefits received cannot be touched. However, we all know how the government keeps taking more and more from the people. Do these issues concern anyone else??
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