In Fall 2024, Trellis Strategies asked student loan borrowers, “In a few sentences, please explain why you took out student loans.” Qualitative analysis of the over 14,000 responses to this survey question provide insights into not only what expenses students cover with loans, but also the financial circumstances that surround their borrowing and their perspective on the college financing process. Alongside additional context from other questions in the Student Financial Wellness Survey, these first-hand accounts paint a complex picture of modern learners who borrow loans to finance their education. This report dives deep into these findings, providing a basis for policymakers, funders, and advocates to better understand the needs and experiences of modern learners.
