The fourth event successful Topic Talk series in May took a deep dive into AAUW’s research on student loan debt, and how it affects women disproportionately.

Women now earn 57 percent of bachelor’s degrees from American colleges and universities and take on more debt on average than men at almost every degree level and type.  As a result, women hold nearly two-thirds of the outstanding student debt in the United States — more than $800 billion.  Factor in the gender pay gap and this debt influences many major life decisions for women.  As a leading gender equity organization, it is incumbent upon AAUW to raise awareness of the issues in our communities and work on federal and state public policy solutions on behalf of women and girls.

The Topic Talk focused on AAUW’s research on the differential impact of student loan debt on women, and how we can work to level the playing field for women pursuing higher education.  The discussion will be facilitated by Branch member Peggy Jennings who served on the statewide committee that adapted this research for use by Pennsylvania AAUW Branches.  Peggy is an independent college admissions consultant and adjunct faculty member at Messiah College.

If you’d like to know more about this topic, you’ll find the research here: https://aauw-pa.aauw.net/deeper-in-debt/.