As High School students in FTHS and students  across the country begin to take serious considerations for their future in higher education, a staggering 44 million college students collectively owe $1.5 trillion in student loan debt. In fact, student debt has risen 130% since 2008, signifying a difficult time for the current and future college students of America.

The rigor of a college education alone passes enough stress on to students. The growing impact of rising college costs only exacerbates it further to levels not seen in history— dangerous levels at that. In a poll conducted by “The Student Loan Hero”, an advocacy group focused on limiting the burden of student loan debt felt by students, more than 61% of respondents believed their fears regarding their ability to pay back their student loan debt was “spiraling out of control” while more than 70% reported suffering headaches due to the recurring stress. It is clear this crisis has escalated to dangerous levels. Our generation, current students at FTHS and across the country, will brunt the worst of this growing crisis.

Nicholas Polimeni, a junior at FTHS says, “while it certainly is concerning, I won’t be too worried because it is a good investment to make and I know my degree will open the door to well-paying jobs. Unfortunately, receiving good grades is the best and almost the only way to minimize college cost, so that’s been my priority”.

Arianna Levine, also a junior at FTHS says, “when I think I about college, the details of what it is going to cost is what I think about the most in the process of applying because I know how expensive it is”.

As the crisis persists, more and more students are beginning to find ways to limit the burden of mounting debt. Saving early, working more, taking classes helpful with credits during high school, and many more effective strategies are aimed at limiting the impact that will undoubtedly be felt as they go about paying student loans.

Fortunately, FTHS provides several opportunities for students hoping to save. One of the goals of the FRHSD district is to make students college ready and aware of the challenges and expectations of higher education. AP classes are offered to FTHS students as an opportunity to earn college credits after taking the AP test for a particular subject— if you score high enough, you earn credit and end up saving money! It is also helpful to explore your interests and focus your education on subject areas you do well in. This way you can earn financial aid, awards, and even scholarships.

High school provides opportunities to save for college down the road and given the recent rise of student debt in America, it is useful to use these strategies to your advantage to allow for academic success both here at FTHS and in the future- free of massive debt.