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What is “good debt?" And it is time to rethink the label? cnb.cx/3VKGj4V

When Bryanna Hambrick bought a three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family home in Columbus, Ohio, in 2022, she hoped that life milestone would help her save money on rent and build wealth.

Student loans have also long been considered “good debt.” But soaring tuition costs, recent changes to the federal lending system and a volatile job market are forcing a generation to question that logic. Read more: cnb.cx/4yyc7I4

As college costs and balances on student loans rise, so has skepticism about the benefits of education debt. More: cnb.cx/4yyc7I4

When Stephanie Thomas went to college more than 25 years ago, she relied on some financial help from her parents, student loans and a part-time job as a gymnastics coach to cover most of the tab. Even so, by graduation she had amassed about $20,000 in student loans. Read more: cnb.cx/4ySSzz1

A generation ago, it was much more common to do as Thomas did, but today self-funding an education with some financial aid and a part-time job has become far less feasible, experts say. Read more: cnb.cx/4ySSzz1

“Americans haven’t given up on higher education. They want it for their children … but they are questioning whether they can afford it,” Courtney Brown said. The question is not whether college is worth the investment, she added, “but is it worth what it costs?”

Watch the full video here: cnb.cx/3UsS2Vm