Pennsylvania's Auditor General says students need more help paying for college.
In a report released Thursday, AG Eugene DePasquale says state residents have more than $68 billion in student loan debt.
He says the cost of higher education for in-state students at state universities are among the highest in the country.
"The average debt per borrower stands at nearly $37,000 - the second highest level in the entire nation," says DePasquale. "And this is not just a Pennsylvania problem. Nationwide there's an estimated $1.5 trillion in out standing student load debt. More than double what it was a decade ago."
The report released follows up on a 2008 audit of Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, which is the state's student loan agency.
Several recommendations were made by then Auditor General Jack Wagner were implemented by PHEAA, saving $74 million.
DePasquale says the PHEAA board is "still top-heavy with legislators" and those seats should instead be filled by people "who have relevant experience in higher education and finance."
He also recommends that the state create an Office of Student Loan Advocate to help borrowers understand the ins and outs of student loans.
"Pennsylvania must do more to help students and parents afford college, as well as understand the implications of borrowing for higher education," DePasquale said.
You can read the full report here.
