With $1 trillion in outstanding student loans, the landscape is looking just like the mortgage mess that brought down the economy.
Take a report to Congress from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and add research from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis showing a stunning growth in student loans.
Combine together and add a dose of securitization and a stagnant job market for college graduates.
Now you’ve got a powder keg just waiting to explode, wrecking the economy.
Student loans threaten the financial future of younger Americans. At the same time, a college degree in unattainable for most without student loans.
Is there a better way?
What’s working with student loans, and what’s not?
What can be done?
The St. Louis Fed is holding a half-day symposium to explore the reality and future of student loans on Monday, November 18, 2013.
The keynote speaker will be Rohit Chopra, who oversees student loans on behalf of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in his role as assistant director and student loan ombudsman.
A nominal cost of $50 per participant ($15 for students) is required for attendance. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited, and advance registration is required by Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013. Registration includes lunch and a reception.
Presented by the Center for Household Financial Stability at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, in partnership with the Center for Social Development at Washington University in St. Louis.