The Federal Reserve has maintained the federal funds rate at a 23-year high of 5.25 to 5.50 percent since July 2023 to combat inflation and control borrowing costs for the federal government, which may lead to increased expenses for national debt. Concurrently, student loan borrowing is rising, with 49% of families now taking loans to finance college, influenced by ongoing inflation and the high costs of education. A recent report reveals that 61% of college students regret their student loans, with many feeling financially overwhelmed and lacking a solid repayment plan. The rising education costs, which have outpaced median income growth, are making higher education increasingly unattainable for low- to middle-income families. Experts warn that the current trajectory of student debt could exacerbate economic challenges, as federal student loan debt has reached a staggering $1.6 trillion. The combination of high borrowing rates and increasing tuition costs raises concerns about long-term economic sustainability and access to higher education.