As of January 2025, total student loan debt in America is $1.77 trillion, with the average borrower owing about $38,000. As college tuition costs continue to rise, many students rely on student loans to afford a degree, leading to challenges around the question of high amounts of student debt. 

Proponents of student loan forgiveness argue that student loan debt places a major financial strain on borrowers, specifically young adults, who are already struggling with inflation and a high cost of living. They argue forgiving student debt will help them financially and allow them to spend more on other goods and services, which will improve the economy for all Americans.  

Opponents of student loan forgiveness argue that widespread student loan forgiveness would require additional government funding, potentially increasing taxes or adding to the national debt. Some argue that taxpayer dollars could be better spent on healthcare, infrastructure, or education reform. Additionally, opponents argue forgiving student debt does not address the underlying issue of rising college costs. They also claim that forgiving loans would discourage students from developing financial responsibility. 

So, what do you think? Should the government forgive student loan debt? Students can answer, “Yes, they should;” “No, they should not;” or a nuanced answer in between! Be sure to submit your responses by April 10 to be considered for this week’s contest. 

 

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Note: Ideal Think the Vote responses include the following:      

• Address the question asked in a thoughtful and meaningful manner     
• Use cited facts and constitutional arguments when appropriate to support their answers      
• Are expressed in cohesive sentences and are free of distracting spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors      
• They address counterarguments and opposing concerns in a respectful manner      
• They organize their answer in a manner that flows logically and reads clearly   

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JOIN THE DEBATE BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $1,000 CASH SCHOLARSHIP! 

For this question, BRI will be giving away two $25 gift cards, one to each person providing the best defense of each side of the debate. Both students will also win BRI swag. Each student winner will also be entered for a chance to win a grand prize of a $1,000 cash scholarship. Additionally, the referring teachers for both students will each win a $25 gift card and BRI swag. 

This question will run from 3/27/25 to 4/10/25, so be sure to submit your answers in time to be considered for our prizes!