New Report Highlights Growing Public Dissatisfaction with Student Loan Policies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hiba Agha, Director of Strategic Initiatives, news@hildrethinstitute.org

 

Social Listening Analysis of Over 8 Million Online Conversations Reveals Deep-Seated Frustration with Student Debt Relief Efforts

 

Boston, MA – October 28, 2024 – A new report titled The Student Debt Dilemma: How Public Sentiment Reveals the Need for Better Student Debt Relief Strategies reveals widespread dissatisfaction with current student loan relief policies. Co-authored by a professor at Babson College and the research team at the Hildreth Institute, the study analyzed over 8.28 million online conversations from June 2022 to June 2024 using Brandwatch, an advanced AI and social listening tool to gauge public sentiment on student loan relief efforts.

The innovative application of Brandwatch to a major social issue marks a significant contribution to the field, offering new insights into public attitudes that traditional research methods might miss.

"Our study demonstrates the potential of using advanced AI and social listening technologies to explore complex social and political issues," said Professor McGuirk of Babson College. "This collaborative effort not only provided valuable real-world research experience for our students but also brought to light critical perspectives on the ongoing student loan debate.”

The report uncovers a predominantly negative public sentiment surrounding debt relief measures, including President Biden’s 2022 student loan forgiveness announcement and the 2023 Supreme Court decision that blocked the initiative. Despite efforts to cancel portions of student debt, 50% of online discussions reflected negative sentiment, with only 3% positive.

Key findings include:

- Overwhelming negative public sentiment: Negative reactions to debt relief policies persisted from both supporters and detractors. Even among those expected to support Biden’s cancellation plan, many expressed disappointment over the amount and scope of relief.

- Dissatisfaction with loan servicers: Loan servicers such as MOHELA and Nelnet were frequently mentioned in online complaints, with borrowers frustrated by delays, poor communication, and systemic issues.

- Broader economic concerns: Rising education costs, stagnant wages, and insufficient public funding for higher education fuel public dissatisfaction with the overall student loan system.

- Spikes in social media discourse: Public discussions surged following significant news events, such as Biden's announcement and the Supreme Court ruling, showing the influence of policy changes on public discourse.

“This report highlights the urgent need for more comprehensive and effective solutions to the student debt crisis,” said Hiba Agha, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Hildreth Institute. “Our analysis shows that temporary fixes are not enough, and there is a clear demand for policies that address the root causes of this issue.”

The report advocates for systemic reforms to student loan servicing, greater transparency, and long-term policies that make higher education more affordable and accessible.

For more information or to access the full report, please visit www.hildrethinstitute.org  or contact news@hildrethinstitute.org.

About the Hildreth Institute

The Hildreth Institute is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit dedicated to driving systemic change in higher education by addressing the root causes of inequity and making higher education accessible and affordable for all.


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