The Cost of Freedom: Student Debt, Equity, and the Future of College

Location

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Date & Time

September 4, 2025 6:30 PM
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A young woman sits cross-legged on the floor between boxes in a warehouse, working on a laptop with a backpack beside her. Event info about student debt and college appears above, hosted by Roosevelt Institute.

The promise of higher education has become entangled in a crisis of affordability, access, and rising debt—leaving millions of Americans questioning whether the cost of a college degree is worth it. With over 43 million borrowers collectively carrying more than $1.7 trillion in student loan debt, the United States is facing a generational challenge that disproportionately burdens Black, brown, low-income, and first-generation students. The consequences are far-reaching, impacting mental health, homeownership, family formation, wealth-building, and long-term financial security.

Even after the Biden administration canceled over $180 billion in student debt, tens of millions of Americans remain in repayment or at risk of default, and the foundational issue—how we finance higher education—remains unresolved. Join us on the evening of September 4 for a 90-minute webinar that will bring together advocates, experts, youth leaders, and researchers for a timely, solutions-focused conversation. We will assess the progress that has been made, identify the gaps that remain, and offer bold visions for tuition-free college and long-term debt justice.

Speakers

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Wisdom Cole

The Roosevelt Society Reimagine America Fellow & Senior National Advocacy Director, NAACP
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Roxanne Garza

Higher Education Policy Director, EdTrust
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Ashley Harrington

Student Loan Cancellation Advocate
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Shanell Hagood

Director of Strategy and Culture, Equity Research Cooperative (EqRC)
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Chavis Jones

Counsel, Educational Opportunities Project (EOP), Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
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Katie Kirchner

Vice President of Field-Building Programs, Roosevelt Institute
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Aissa Canchola Bañez

Policy Director, Student Borrower Protection Center (Moderator)
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