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Forbes offers sympathetic portrayal of man with $177K in student loan debt for an anthropology degree, and both get roasted online
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Forbes offers sympathetic portrayal of man with $177K in student loan debt for an anthropology degree, and both get roasted online

Forbes tried to draw up a sympathetic portrayal of a student loan recipient who ended up owing more than $177K in order to receive an anthropology degree, and many on social media responded with scorn and mockery.

The article documented the plight of 39-year-old Michael Kilman, a father of four children, who obtained a master's degree from Portland State University in 2014 but who has had to supplement his income as an adjunct professor and digital media creator by driving for DoorDash.

Although he initially borrowed $88K for his education, the deferred payments and interest spiraled the amount into more than twice the original amount.

“It affects everything, it affects even the things I do with my children and the fact that I may never be able to own a house,” said Kilman to Forbes. “Everybody you talk to who has significant student loans says the same thing, that these loans are kind of like this big weight that we carry around our necks that prevent us from actually doing well.”

The article is intended to make Americans sympathetic to those who may benefit from a student loan forgiveness program touted by President Joe Biden and under consideration by the U.S. Supreme Court.

But critics on social media lambasted the attempt to bolster Biden's policy goals.

"Why is it even possible to get loans for a Master's degree in Anthropology from Portland State University? Honestly, the universities should be on the hook for this to some extent. They know those degrees are not a ticket to a high paying job," replied Christina Pushaw of the DeSantis campaign.

"He should ask the university, the institution that said their education was worth the investment, to bail him out," read another response.

"His poor decision making is not my or my family's responsibility," said another critic.

"Don’t pick a major where your career maxes out on a salary that is less than your education costs," read one popular response. "Or man up and deal with the consequences of your choice, by either switching careers, working three jobs, and/or living below your means."

The student loan debt moratorium is scheduled to end in September and payments will resume in October, unless Congress acts to put it into law.

Here's more about Biden's student loan forgiveness plan:

Why Biden’s student loan relief plan is a SOCIALIST FAILUREyoutu.be

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Carlos Garcia

Carlos Garcia

Staff Writer

Carlos Garcia is a staff writer for Blaze News. You can reach him at cgarcia@blazemedia.com.