Skip to content
TrackPodcasts
historyApr 6, 202350:41pending

Student Loans: The Fund-Eating Dragon (2022)

Throughline

About this episode

At the start of the 20th century, only the most privileged could afford to go to college. Today, millions of students pursue higher ed — and owe $1.7 trillion in debt.

Would you believe us if we said it started with Sputnik?

This week on Throughline, we explore the origins of federal student loans, the promises the government made, and how an idealistic vision transformed into what some have called a monster.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

NPR Privacy Policy

Get every episode summarized

Each time Throughline publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.

Email me new episodes

Free for 3 shows. No card needed.

Hosts & guests

No transcript yet

This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.

Student Loans: The Fund-Eating Dragon (2022)

Throughline

0:00
50:41

More episodes

More from Throughline

View all episodes →