Without loans and other financial aid, many students say they couldn’t afford to attend PNW.

“I definitely would not be in college right now,” said Nicholas Herrera, a sophomore Accounting and Finance major with more than $9,500 in outstanding loans. “I would most likely be studying for certifications in the business of stockbrokers and trying to do that for a living.”

About 50% of PNW students have student loans, said Tanika House, assistant director of Financial Aid. 

Students say loans make it possible for them to pursue careers.

“I do receive student loans,” said Kody Devon Parker, a graduate student studying Business Administration. “I would not be able to complete an MBA degree without student loans.”

Even students who have no loans understand the value of providing access to education.

“I do not have student loans because I am using my parent’s money,” said Nabeen Neupane, a second-year Computer Information Technology student. “[Without that] it would be a lot tougher.”

Kaylee O’Connor agrees.

“I have been lucky enough to not have to deal with student loans,” said O’Connor, a junior Accounting major. “But most of my friends have them, and I am confident that many of them would not be going to college if they had to pay for their entire tuition every semester. 

“I think student loans are hated on too much, even though they help millions of people get through school,” she said.

Elijah Bultema, a freshman Mechanical Engineering student, said loans can make the difference between studying and working.

“I do not have student loans,” he said. “I received two grants and an honor scholarship. [If I didn’t] I would … have to work a lot more and almost never buy things.”

Katelyn Wiening and Jonathan Bradford also contributed to this story.