From 2011 at the Occupy DC protests in Washington. A man holds a sign and a ball and chain representing his college loan debt. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Jacqueline Martin/ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Jacqueline Martin/ASSOCIATED PRESS
From 2011 at the Occupy DC protests in Washington. A man holds a sign and a ball and chain representing his college loan debt. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Jacqueline Martin/ASSOCIATED PRESS
At the beginning of the 20th century, only the most privileged could afford to go to college. Today millions of students are in higher education and are $1.7 trillion in debt.
Would you believe me if I said it started with Sputnik?
This week’s Throughline explores the origins of federal student loans, the promises made by the government, and how an idealistic vision turned into what we call a monster.
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