Student debt is a massive burden on the shoulders of millions of Americans. Recently, a TikTok trend has emerged where the harsh realities of student debt are made into punchlines. 

College is more expensive than ever, and many students pursuing higher education to reach their high-paying profession take out loans to afford the top school in their field. This trend is about seniors in high school taking out loans for 40-60k per year for their undergraduate education – an education that can be obtained at an exponentially lower price — and joking about it. An example of a post would be, “I’m 200,000 in debt, but I’m going to USC!”.

There is a huge college conversation at Oak Park High School. 97.8 percent of alumni in last year’s graduating class went on to pursue higher education at a four-year or two-year college. Every year, the burden of college tuition affects many students and their families.

“I am a junior and I am about to start the college application process. Thinking about student debt and loans is super stressful. I see the little lighthearted jokes people make on social media about it but personally, I don’t think it’s that funny. I know that loans can haunt people all the way into adulthood and I really don’t want to have to deal with that,” said junior Cameron McGugan. 

“All OPHS educators have been through college to get their degrees. However, the college process has changed even since then,¨ OPHS economics teacher Donald Cook said.“I can guarantee that it will be harder for any upcoming generation to pay off their student loans than it was for the last, and let’s be perfectly clear, it’s already incredibly difficult,” Cook said. 

Unfortunately, student loans have the potential to haunt people well into their middle age. 

¨I’m 46.  I was in debt to college the second I left my parents house and I didn’t get out of debt until I was 42-years-old,¨ Cook said.  “I include credit card debt in that as well, which is something not discussed enough.”

Unfortunately, student loans and tuition don’t account for the full cost of living in college. 

“The student loans may cover tuition and room and board, but there’s tens of thousands of dollars that are still required to go to college and have your basic necessities met,” Cook said. 

College tuition prices are only going up.

“Adjusted for inflation, college has still never been more expensive than it is today, and that’s only going to get worse because the demand has never been higher for college.  This essentially forces young people on that path whether they like it or not because not having a college degree significantly limits your options in the American economy,” Cook said. 

Trusted adults, like OPHS educators, have attended college and are happy to give students their input and advice if asked. 

“I was very lucky and fortunate to not have to pay my own college tuition. I know adults around my age who are still in the process of paying their student loans back. It is definitely something to consider when applying,” OPHS algebra teacher Mrs. Heinrich said.

Finances are always important and vary for each person. Some students need loans to attend college or to continue their education for a specific occupation, and some choose it although there are cheaper options available. The choice as to whether or not student loans are a suitable option to finance your education is up to your discretion as there are many factors to first consider.