Pew Research Center’s political typology sorts Americans into cohesive, like-minded groups based on their values, beliefs, and views about politics and the political system. Use this tool to compare the groups on some key topics and their demographics.
College graduates without a college-educated parent have lower incomes and less wealth, on average, than those with a parent who has a bachelor’s or higher degree.
About one-third of adults under age 30 have student loan debt. In 2016, the amount students owed varied widely, especially by degree attained.
The U.S. has more foreign students enrolled in its colleges and universities than any other country in the world. Explore data about foreign students in the U.S. higher education system.
In 2012, a record 69% of the nation's new college graduates had taken out student loans to finance their education. Graduates from more affluent families are much more likely to borrow today than 20 years ago.
More people are having trouble keeping up with their student-loan payments than in years past, several studies show.
A record 37% of young households had outstanding student loans in 2010 and a median student debt of $13,000.
Student debt burdens are weighing on the economic fortunes of today’s young adults. Among the college-educated, those with outstanding student debt are lagging far behind those who are debt free in terms of household wealth.
Outstanding household debt increased $241 billion during last October-December, the biggest quarterly jump since 2007.
U.S. families are relying less on their own resources and more on outside sources (scholarships, loans and the like) to pay for college.
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About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.
