Student Loan Debt and Stress Levels in NKU Students

Abstract

Past research estimates that 44.7 million Americans possessed student loan debt as of 2018. Student loans are necessary for many Americans to attend college in the first place. This study aims to understand how student loan debt shapes stress levels and overall health of NKU students. Data will be collected using paper surveys completed by approximately 100 NKU students. High stress levels are expected to be associated with students who have acquired student loan debt. Findings from this study could be utilized by NKU to better prepare students for the process and implications of acquiring student loan debt.