Overview
Americans owe over $1.5 trillion in student loan debt, and that number keeps rising. But what if anything should we do about it? While some politicians think “free college” is the answer, John Stossel looks at another possible solution that could empower students to make more informed decisions about their futures.

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Grade level and subjects
• Recommended for grades 6-12
• Subjects: Government and Personal Finance
• Works in Classroom, Hybrid, and Homeschool settings

What students will learn
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
• discuss student loans and income share agreements;
• assess how different college majors can impact earnings; and
• evaluate the pros and cons of income share agreements.

Key concepts and terms covered
Income share agreement (ISA) and Indentured servitude.

Sample discussion questions
• Why do people borrow money? What are some things people borrow money for?
• When banks loan people money and they are unable to pay back the money they borrowed, who loses?
• Should people who chose not to attend college be forced to pay for others’ college education? Why or why not?
• If you plan to attend college, have you considered what you will major in? How much consideration did you give to the eventual job opportunities and salaries for each major?
• In what ways could society support education without using force or taking resources from others unwillingly?

What’s in the free teacher’s guide
This printable 8-page Teacher's Guide includes a lesson description, learning objectives, key vocabulary, a fill-in viewing guide with answer key, discussion and analysis questions, and classroom activities.

Standards alignment
Aligned to state standards — use the SITC Standards Tool to match this video to the standards in your state.