In 2012, the Institute for College Access and Success reported that two-thirds of the 2011 graduating class had student loan debt - and the average amount was $26,600.   As pointed out by FICO experts, student loan debt is a growing problem for two major reasons: consumers are carrying more student loan debt than ever before, and more federally-backed student loans are being offered to consumers with questionably low FICO Scores.   Plus, with the unemployment rate for the under twenty-five crowd hovering at twice the national average, $26,000 in student loans can become a huge burden post-graduation.   It is possible, however, to graduate college with a bright future and very little – or even no – student loan debt. It just takes more work and planning … [Read more...]