far from optimal...college costs are rising higher than inflation, and the loan industry is doing all it can to maximize profits, thus leaving those with minimal resources and wealth in a quandary...how to get ahead without sinking under un-payable debt.
We also know that the entire country benefits from a better educated and trained workforce, so on a 'Macro' scale it's worth contemplating government assistance...as part of a larger response to an important problem...btw, some nations view it important enough to make higher education (and trade skills) free for those who qualify (i.e. covered by taxes).
The attached article addresses the basic issue of "fairness" as well as some options for lowering the cost for those most in need.
Link: https://theconversation.com/the-ethics-of-canceling-student-debt-is-more-about-fairness-than-broken-promises-193288