Updated October 2022
Many Americans see the benefits of a college degree, such as opportunities for well-paying jobs. Yet over the years, college costs have become extremely high, both from private and public colleges. This increase has led to more and more debt -- a total of about $1.75 trillion, with the average borrower owing over $35,000.
With student loan debt consuming Americans’ bank accounts, Presidetn Biden has discussed a plan to forgive some student loan debt. Loan forgiveness may be most closely associated with the Democratic Party, but surveys show the majority of Republicans also believe that government has a role to reduce the debt burden. The surveys below show that many Republican support partial forgiveness, showing there is some overlap across the political spectrum that government should take action against student loan debt.
An ethical dilemma looms over many who ponder whether or not forgiveness should be granted. Do we eliminate the debt, even while there were people who worked so hard to clear their own? For people who chose another path, such as not to go to college or worked three jobs while in school, is this unfair?
Despite these ongoing questions, the bottom line is clear. Majorities of Republicans, Democrats and Independents agree that the government has a role to address this debt. We all want to have good, quality lives without being constantly burdened by student loans.
- A 2025 Ipsos survey revealed some agreement across party lines:
- A majority of people (53%) agree that education remains "the great equalizer." This sentiment is reflected in the strong support (70%) for government prioritization of college affordability.
- Sixty-one percent of respondents somewhat or strongly agree with a federal government program that offers no-interest loans to students attending accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools.
- 58% of individuals with student loan debt report difficulty paying other monthly bills. This includes 44% of those earning $125,000 or more.
- The Student Borrower Protection Center presented a 2025 poll that suggested further bipartisan support for financial aid reforms.
- A majority of voters oppose eliminating income-driven repayment options. These options protect low- and middle-income borrowers from unaffordable payments and a lifetime of student debt.
- Most voters are against reducing Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which would decrease the number of public service employees who qualify.
- Most voters are against restricting relief for borrowers who were defrauded by a scam school. Additionally, 55% of voters oppose limiting relief for borrowers with disabilities that prevent them from working.
- Most voters are against limiting the Department of Education's ability to offer financial hardship relief to borrowers. This sentiment is consistent across different demographics such as gender, race, age, and educational background.
- 2024 YouGov data shows that Americans agree heavily on who is to blame for the student debt crisis:
- 84% of Americans (90% Democrats & 85% Republicans) believe that colleges or universities are responsible.
- 75% of Americans (86% of Democrats & 65% of Republicans) believe that banks and financial lending institutions are to blame.
- 73% of Americans (80% Democrats & 68% Republicans) believe that the federal government is responsible for worsening the student loan debt crisis.
- When asked who student loan debt forgiveness will help the most, there is a consensus across party lines that low-income people would benefit the most.
Bella Jasper is currently a high school student who is deeply interested in politics and journalism. In her writing, she hopes to provide a sense of commonality in politics. Bella has a Lean Left bias.
This piece was edited by AllSides.com News Editor Micaela Ricaforte (Center bias), and was reviewed by James Coan (Center).
