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News

Parents’ Loan Debt is on the Rise

By Jonah Newman and Brian O’Leary October 4, 2012

The size of Parent PLUS loans, available to the parents of undergraduate students, has shot up over the last decade. But the average loan size at a few schools is particularly burdensome, with some parents taking out over $30,000 in debt in only one year. Explore to see which colleges put parents in the most debt.

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The size of Parent PLUS loans, available to the parents of undergraduate students, has shot up over the last decade. But the average loan size at a few schools is particularly burdensome, with some parents taking out over $30,000 in debt in only one year. Explore to see which colleges put parents in the most debt. Related Article

This interactive is designed for viewports 700 pixels or wider. Please view on a device with larger screen.

Search for a college

Average Loan Amounts

 
Greater than $15,000
 
$10,000 to $15,000
 
$5,000 to $10,000
 
Less than $5,000
Note: Features colleges with at least 100 Parent PLUS recipients in 2010-11. Average loan is the volume of dollars disbursed divided by the number of borrowers.
 

Source: U.S. Department of Education

We welcome your thoughts and questions about this article. Please email the editors or submit a letter for publication.
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About the Author
Jonah Newman
Jonah Newman was a database reporter for The Chronicle.
Oleary_Brian.jpg
About the Author
Brian O’Leary
Brian O’Leary is an interactive news editor at The Chronicle, where he builds data visualizations and other interactive news products. Email him at brian.oleary@chronicle.com.

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