Financial Literacy & Student Debt: Key Topics in 2016 U.S. Presidential Race

The campaign trail continues to heat up for the 2016 U.S. presidential race, and among the leading themes dominating conversations and town hall sessions are the rising costs of college, student loan burdens, and overall financial capability of Americans. With student debt drove through the one trillion dollar milestone some time ago, while students, graduates and their families remain weighed down by college debt.

Not only is the student loan issue a big one for candidates to consider during the pending presidential race, but the issue is most central to one of the most critical election cohorts; namely, the millennial voters since they are most directly impacted by this issue. The 18-34 population comprises roughly one quarter of the voting age population in the U.S. and this group was crucial to the outcomes in both of the last two presidential elections.

Many financial literacy proponents agree that outcome of the 2016 election is somewhat less important than ensuring that financial literacy, student debt and related topics continue to carry the dialogue throughout the election cycle and into the term of the next president and Congress. College tuition costs need to be kept under control, while we need legislation passed to address the many significant problems caused by the college debt crisis.

No matter what your political affiliation or objectives might be, it is essential to carry the torch for greater financial education and policies that will promote and provide for enhanced financial capabilities for individuals and families across the nation.