Student debt is soaring

Student debt has soared over the past three years, according to the latest NatWest annual survey. The bank anticipates that students finishing in 2002 will feel the full impact of tuition fees and the removal of grants, graduating with record debts of around £10 000 ($14 500; €16). The average graduate debt has increased by a massive £6700 since 1999.

Graduate starting salaries have also risen with today's average graduate earning around £13 500. Many are guaranteed a considerable hole in …