DETROIT ÷ Some Wayne State University students believe that it is difficult to manage the financial responsibilities needed to pay for a college education. Despite generous increases in financial aid allotments, it is likely to require more planning and more work to pay for a college education now than in the past, and may be even more difficult in the future. Direct financial aid is usually supplemented by money that students will have to earn or that they must borrow.

"One of the biggest crises with today's college student is debt. Students must learn to manage their debt and/or stay out of debt," said David Strauss, WSU dean of students.

But most students are not wealthy enough to stay out of debt. They need to borrow. Usually loans are part of a financial aid package. These loans are at below market rates and have terms that are so generous and forgiving that they require little discipline of management. As long as the paperwork is kept current, paying them off can be deferred for years.