This graph shows recent university graduates responses to a survey question about the impact their college debt had on their other financial and life decisions following graduation. The survey was conducted in the United States in 2012. 40 percent of graduates said that they had delayed a major purchase, such as a home or car, because of their continuing college debt.
Impact of college debt on graduates financial and life decisions in the United States in 2012
Characteristic
Share of graduates
Delayed a major purchase, such as a home or a car
40%
Put off continuing your education
28%
Moved in with your parents or family members to save money
27%
Took a job you weren't enthusiastic about because the salary allowed you to pay your student loans back faster
25%
Took a part-time job to supplement your income
18%
Delayed marriage or another committed relationship
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John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development. (May 10, 2012). Impact of college debt on graduates financial and life decisions in the United States in 2012 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 22, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/235225/impact-of-college-debt-on-behaviour-in-the-us/
John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development. "Impact of college debt on graduates financial and life decisions in the United States in 2012." Chart. May 10, 2012. Statista. Accessed December 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/235225/impact-of-college-debt-on-behaviour-in-the-us/
John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development. (2012). Impact of college debt on graduates financial and life decisions in the United States in 2012. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/235225/impact-of-college-debt-on-behaviour-in-the-us/
John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development. "Impact of College Debt on Graduates Financial and Life Decisions in The United States in 2012." Statista, Statista Inc., 10 May 2012, https://www.statista.com/statistics/235225/impact-of-college-debt-on-behaviour-in-the-us/
John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, Impact of college debt on graduates financial and life decisions in the United States in 2012 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/235225/impact-of-college-debt-on-behaviour-in-the-us/ (last visited December 22, 2024)
Impact of college debt on graduates financial and life decisions in the United States in 2012 [Graph], John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, May 10, 2012. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/235225/impact-of-college-debt-on-behaviour-in-the-us/
