Educating Public Interest Professionals and the Student Loan Debt Crisis

In Educating Public Interest Professionals and the Student Loan Debt Crisis, Robert Leslie Fisher examines the student loan debt crisis and its effects on America’s citizens and economies. Exploring the shortage of professionals in fields such as education, medicine, and law, Fisher analyzes the causes and effects of the student loan debt crisis in America and argues for higher wages, student loan debt forgiveness, and an updated financial model to pay for training for public interest professionals. Supported by economic research and a sociological background, Fisher proposes a path forward that will ease the student loan debt crisis and revitalize the economy.

Robert Leslie Fisher offers a fresh synthesis of the literature on student loan debt and how it relates to particular college majors and future career trajectories. The debt crisis in the U.S. is a serious issue impacting families and this is an insightful take on the matter.--Mitchell S. Nesler, Vice Provost for Strategy and Planning, SUNY System Administration, In this thoughtful and well-researched book on the student loan debt crisis, Robert Leslie Fisher has explored an important new issue: the resulting lack of skilled professionals in health care and human services. Fisher is a long time civil servant, researcher, and writer and his compelling book deserves careful study.--David W. Palmquist, Executive Director, ESCOT, Inc., the Executive Service Corps of the Tri-Cities, Area in Albany, NY, The amount of student debt in the U.S. at $1.6 trillion is staggering and still rising. It has led The Federal Reserve Bank to take note and warned it may take action if this trend continues. But Mr. Fisher argues that we need to act now because the debt is already having side effects that, though largely neglected, can dramatically harm our economic well being. One of these major side effects is an adverse impact on a variety of occupations that serve the public interest that our country desperately needs if we are to prosper in the twenty-first century. For instance, we urgently need pediatricians, STEM teachers, and guidance counselors. Fisher also provides valuable advice for high school students planning to attend college to prepare for public service careers. I recommend this book for policy makers and parents of high school students thinking of going to college.--William Hammarstrom, retired civil servant

Robert Leslie Fisher is an independent researcher and author of The Research Productivity of Scientists and Invisible Student Scientists.