The Student Loan Mess: How Good Intentions Created a Trillion-Dollar Problem
Good Intentions Created Trillion-Dollar: The Student Loan Mess examines the growth of student debt and the policies, college costs, and public attitudes the listing says contributed to the problem. The 248-page First Edition is published by University of California Press and was published in 2014.
At a glance
- Investigates the student loan crisis and its connections to college costs, lending policy, and access to higher education.
- The publisher description frames the book around how well-intentioned policies and public debates contributed to a growing debt problem.
- A 248-page English-language First Edition from University of California Press.
Reference price: $34.95
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- The book connects student debt to broader questions about education access, costs, and public policy.
- Its 248-page length offers a focused treatment rather than an expansive reference work.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | University of California Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | May 2, 2014 |
| Edition | First Edition |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 248 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0520276450 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-0520276451 |
| Weight listed | 1.15 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6 x 0.98 x 9 inches |
What to know before buying
- The description includes time-sensitive debt estimates and a prediction tied to 2020. Treat these as claims made in the book's listing, not current figures. The edition was published in 2014.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in student debt, higher-education policy, and the social effects of college costs.
- Students and general readers seeking a book-length discussion of the US student loan system.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for current student loan balances, recent policy updates, or individualized financial guidance.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
45% 45% - 4 stars
32% 32% - 3 stars
23% 23% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
0% 0%
The supplied evidence includes aggregate ratings but no written customer feedback. The ratings lean positive overall, while the distribution also includes a substantial middle-rating share. That offers only a limited signal about reader reception and does not identify specific strengths or shortcomings of the book.
Frequently asked questions
What topics does The Student Loan Mess cover?
The listing describes an investigation of student debt, rising college costs, for-profit colleges, lending policy, and access to higher education.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 248 pages.
Is this a recent account of student loan policy?
No. The listed publication date is May 2, 2014, and the description uses forecasts tied to 2020. It should not be treated as an up-to-date account.
Alternative options
Social Problems
$63.07
Social Problems
$47.51
Damned Lies and Statistics: Untangling Numbers from the Media, Politicians, and Activists
$13.21
More Damned Lies and Statistics: How Numbers Confuse Public Issues
$8.78
Stat-Spotting: A Field Guide to Identifying Dubious Data
$20.81
Is That True?: Critical Thinking for Sociologists
$24.95
