American economy Quote by Michael Hudson
“The fact that you have government-guaranteed student loans has created a whole new sector in the American economy that didn't really exist before - private for-profit universities that sell junk degrees that don't help the students. They promise the students, "We'll help you get a better job. We'll arrange a loan so that you don't have to pay a penny for this education." Their pet bank gets them the government-guaranteed loan, and the student may get the junk degree, but doesn't get a job, so they don't pay the loan.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Killing the Host, 2006
Government‑backed student loans have spawned profit‑driven colleges that sell low‑value degrees, creating a debt‑laden economy.
In simple terms: Student loans enable for‑profit schools to profit from debt.
Demand accountability in higher education.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- student loan counseling
- policy reform
- financial literacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance access with quality?
- What alternatives exist to for‑profit colleges?
Some argue loans increase access to education.