>Sharks? :o)

I saw this question coming, and the smiley too.

But it was true, in some cases, few years ago. A loan seller would manage to get a seat in the admissions office, and even get their leaflet handed to the student along with the college paperwork, creating an illusion that the loan is somehow connected (approved, backed, endorsed, whatever) by the university itself. Some deal was on, for sure. And these weren't low rate loans, except maybe initially. These kids would have a negative headstart when they graduate.

>there are also programs for having the student loans forgiven...depends on the career choice.

My usual comment is "there are programs, here and there - no system, no guarantee that any of that will be available everywhere".

>Personally, I think all education through university should be free to all - paid for by taxes (not really free then, but the cost is distributed - yikes - that will bring some angry comments).

General level of education is a nation's asset. It's an investment, just like health is. No wonder the IMF first asks to cut those as unnecessary spending when it enters a new [strike]colony[/strike] country in trouble. Or the same one fifth time in a row.