2021 Virginia Election Survey: Likely Voters Support Easing Burden of Student Debt

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Summary of Key Findings

Nearly half (44%) of all voters say that they or a loved one has faced challenges due to student debt, including 59% of voters 18-49 years-old and almost 3-in-10 voters 65+.

One-third of voters 18-49 say student debt prevented them or a loved one from getting needed health care; 60% of voters 50-64 say that they or loved ones couldn’t save for retirement; and 1-in-6 (17%) of voters ages 65-plus say that student debt prevented them or loved ones from retiring.

Almost 6-in-10 likely voters (59%) – with nearly identical support among age groups – support an increase of state government support for public universities so more people can afford college tuition.

More than 3-in-4 (77%) of likely voters say the state government should protect borrowers from predatory loan practices and increase oversight of the largely unregulated student loan servicer industry.

Survey of 800 Virginia Registered Likely Voters Age 18+ conducted by Wason Center for Civic Leadership at Christopher Newport University on behalf of AARP, August 15-23, 2021. Margin of error +/-3.6%

The full research report will explore how voters across the state feel about – and expect candidates to address – key health and financial security challenges that impact Virginians of all ages.


Student Debt Questions

1. In 2020, Americans owed $1.5 trillion in outstanding student loan debt, second only to mortgage debt, which has challenged their ability to do things like save for retirement or buy homes. Have you or a loved one faced challenges due to student debt?

2. [If yes] Has student loan debt prevented you or a loved one from…[INSERT ITEM]

3. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements related to college affordability? If you are unsure, please say that.

• A. State governments should increase their financial support for public universities so more people can afford college tuition.

• B. State and federal governments should provide stronger oversight and regulations to prevent student loan servicers and debt collectors from engaging in deceptive and abusive practices.