$50K & Beyond
Cancel Student Debt
The student debt crisis has a disproportionate impact on Black borrowers and their families. Across all racial groups, Black borrowers hold the most student loan debt despite also being consistently underserved by postsecondary institutions.
We're calling on our elected officials to cancel federal student loan debt. Cancelling $50,000 in student debt for Black borrowers would:
- Provide Black borrowers with opportunities to pursue homeownership
- Develop economy-boosting discretionary income
- Fuel upward mobility in the Black community and equitable efforts to close the racial wealth gap
Temporary student debt relief provided during the COVID-19 pandemic is set to expire September 30. It's time for elected officials take action and provide permanent relief.
Let's make it happen. Find resources, statistics, and stories below to join us in the push for student debt relief.
Share your student debt story
Why did you go after a college degree? How has student debt impacted your life? What would the cancellation of student debt mean to you?
Student debt impacts real people and has daily consequences. Add your story to the growing collection of reasons elected officials need to act to cancel student debt.
Sound Off: Student Loan Debt Stories
Melyssia B., Student Loan Borrower
"Student loans hang over my head. I'm working to pay debt. I want a house, some children, a family. I need to replace my 10 year old car. I'm tired of being depressed because of debt."
Crystal B., Student Loan Borrower
"My entire life has been impacted by student loan debt. For example, I have been struggling to repay my loan, cutting corners in spending, [and I'm] not able to pay for my children's college"
Warner D., Student Debt Organizer
"Student debt cripples recent graduates, especially during a pandemic. Personally, I am in a mountain of debt just for my undergraduate education, and the payments have taken away financial security. People should not be punished for trying to obtain higher education. Education and knowledge are important but barriers like student loan debt can deter those who are interested in furthering their education."
Connect, Share, Advocate
Advocacy is in our DNA. Grab the tools you'll need to help make student debt relief and affordable education a starting point to a more equitable future.
In the News
Unmasking Student Debt
At 28 years old, I can't afford to start a family, I can't afford to buy a home, I can't afford to volunteer in my community, and I can't afford to go to the doctor. All of these things are now considered luxuries that I simply can't afford at this point in my life. All of my resources are dedicated to paying off student loans and interest rates.
- Jessica P., Student Loan Borrower