Mounting costs leading to student debt problems?

Students could be facing mounting debt worries as a result of changes to the way in which they are expected to pay for course-related items.

Head of policy at the University and College Union Paul Cottrell observed that undergraduates now fork out for things which previously would have been included.

The cost of field trips and work-based visits were highlighted and such expenses could add to the financial pressure being faced.

“[It] tends to be compounded further by the difficulty of students trying to get part-time work these days because of the recession; the competition for jobs is higher,” said Mr Cottrell, suggesting many struggle to meet living costs as a result.

His comments came after Sainsbury’s Finance identified increases in the cost of education that could be contributing to the debt problems of those graduating, with over £13 million worth of loans taken out to fund university and college last year.

By Andy Mackay