Whether you're already in debt, worried about getting into debt or looking for ways to minimise the amount of debt you accumulate, this page has been put together with you in mind.

I know all about student debt from personal experience, my other half Louise and I met at University and it took us over 6 years after graduating to finally pay off our student loans. I did some quick research on the topic and it would appear that we were actually quite lucky.

USA

A recent study by the National Center for Education Statistics shows that about 50% of recent college graduate have student loans, with an average student loan debt of $10,000. The average cost of college increases at twice the rate of inflation; the College Board estimates that public school costs an average of about $13,000 a year and private schools costs $28,000. Parents will pay more, too. The rate on Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students, or PLUS loans, will jump to a fixed rate of 8.5%, from the current variable rate of 6.1%.

Canada

On average, bachelor graduates with student debt owed about $20,000 to all sources. College graduates owed almost $13,000. Most education debt was to government student loan programs: 41% of college graduates and 45% of bachelor graduates left school with government student loans. College graduates with debt to government student loan programs owed an average of $12,600 and bachelor graduates owed $19,500.

UK

The average student debt in England and Wales jumped 10% in 2003 as the costs of studying rose. The average student leaves higher education owing 12,069 through credit cards, bank and student loans, research by Barclays bank discovered. Average graduate debt has increased five-fold since 1994. Barclays warned that if the current trend continues average student debt could top 33,000 after a three-year degree by 2010.

Taking Control:

As with any problem or difficulty, the first step is to acknowledge that it exists and then look for ways to deal with it.

If you are about to enter the adult student world, regardless of the type of degree, course or program you intend to do, your first port of call should be your country's education department website.

It might not be the most interesting hour or so you ever spend but it could well be one of the most cost effective.

If you don't know about all the possible financial assistance on offer, how can you possibly hope to benefit from it?

Most colleges and universities offer hardship funds, don't be too proud to apply and make sure you know what else your particular educational establishment provides in the way of financial assistance, scholarships etc.

Also don't bury your head in the sand, if you're are drowning in debt, get some advice on how to manage the financial situation you find yourself in.

Most countries have free, impartial, non judgemental debt management agencies. For instance in the UK we have the Citizens Advice Bureau, which can help in such circumstances.

Remember pride comes before a fall, so swallow your pride and seek the help that's on offer before you go completely head over heels.

If you'd like to find out more about student debt and finance, you can do so by visiting http://www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com/student-debt.html Here you'll find links to the education departments of a number of countries including the USA, Canada, UK, New Zeland and Australia; as well as other links that offer free impartial advice.