Imagine finally graduating from college, you're happy and ready to make a difference in the world. Only to find that before you even begin, you are already overwhelmed with debt. This is the problem that hundreds of thousands of students face every year. Why are they in debt, you ask? They are in debt due to rising tuition fees and student loans they took out to finance their education. Rising tuition costs and student debt are massive problems, and they are ruining the American dream for millions of students around the world. Student debt is a huge problem in this country, and it's something that needs to be addressed. Nearly 40% of graduates under the age of 25 have student debt. This figure has increased by 26% since 2004. The average student debt in the country is $26,600. That's a lot of money, which could be used in much better ways by America's young minds. Additionally, when you leave university, it becomes increasingly difficult to find a job. College graduates under the age of 25 have an unemployment rate of 9%. There are currently nearly 2 million college graduates who are unemployed. So not only do they have huge debts, but they have no way of earning the money to pay them off. However, student debt wouldn't be as much of a problem if tuition hadn't skyrocketed. College tuition prices have become outrageous lately. Many students reconsider what they want to do because of this. Average private college tuition is typically around $30,000. A public college will cost you on average around $13,000, but this figure varies a lot. Community colleges are much cheaper because they charge per class. Right now, tuition costs are rising... middle of paper ...... sing tuition and student debt are just one of many problems in this country that are destroying the American dream for many . Something must be done and something will be done. There are millions of bright young minds waiting to make a difference. We just need to find the right one and we can solve this and every other problem this country has. Works Cited “Edfinancial Services”. Understanding Your Student Loan Bill -. Np, and Web. May 31, 2013. “Student debt weighs on the overall economy. » The United States today. Gannett, May 19, 2013. web. May 31, 2013. “Student Loans – Banking, Insurance and 529 Plans – Sallie Mae.” » Student Loans - Banks, Insurance and 529 Plans - Sallie Mae. Np, and Web. May 31, 2013. Works, equal justice. “Student debt affects generations of Americans.” American News. USNews & World Report, October 3, 2012. Web. May 31 2013.