ACCorDing to thE spEAkEr, thE proportion oF CollEgE stuDEnts with loAns in thE unitED stAtEs hAs inCrEAsED From 50% in 1993 to ABout 67% At prEsEnt AnD thE AvErAgE loAn DEBt whEn thEy grADuAtE is 17,000 DollArs.