The Effects of Parent PLUS Loans on Educational and Family Finances

The federal government disbursed over $650 million in Parent PLUS loans during 2021-2022 alone, yet little research exists on the implications of these loans on students’ and their parents’ financial wellbeing or students’ educational outcomes. Doctoral student in economics Steve Ramos will examine how Parent PLUS loan access impacts parent borrowers and their child. He will analyze data from the University of California Consumer Credit Panel, the California Student Aid Commission, and the National Student Clearinghouse for his study.