By Judith Burns BBC News

Full article here – http://www.bbc.com/news/education-41322198

Extracts below:
The Young Women’s Trust says a quarter of young people in England and Wales have to borrow to make ends meet and are facing a “debt epidemic”.
Ministers say their reforms are improving young people’s incomes.

But the charity’s survey of more than 4,000 18- to 30-year-olds suggests almost a quarter are in debt all the time and almost half have to borrow to make their cash last to the end of the month.

It indicates young women are worst affected, with:

• 23% of young men constantly in debt, compared with 25% of young women
• 45% of young men running out of cash each month, compared with 51% of young women

Laura, who became pregnant aged 19, during her first year at Bournemouth University, says she took a year out before continuing with her degree, balancing childcare, study and part-time work.Jason Goodyear, CEO of Qualifi would like to point out to readers of this article that the size of the debt burden associated with gaining a degree can be much reduced. Instead of studying at university for 3 years, averaging £9,250 per annum tuition fees it is possible to study Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Advanced Learner Loan recognised qualifications that cost much less but allow progression on to Top Up final year honours studies at our partner universities.

Qualifi would like to point out to readers of this article that the size of the debt burden associated with gaining a degree can be much reduced. Instead of studying at university for 3 years, averaging £9,250 per annum tuition fees it is possible to study Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Advanced Learner Loan recognised qualifications that cost much less but allow progression onto Top Up final year honours studies at our partner universities. Alternatively, learners can progress from the level 5 on to a level 6 or level 7. After completing the Level 7, students can move directly on to final year masters programmes. The alternatives outlined demonstrate value for money and avoid students being burdened with as much debt and mounting repayment costs due to the high-interest rates associated with student loans.