Student Loan Debt and Its Impact on the Nonprofit Sector

Authors

  • Julianne Gassman University of Northern Iowa
  • Dorothy Norris-Tirrell Nonprofit Leadership Alliance
  • Kristina Kofoot University of Northern Iowa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/JNEL-2018-V8-I3-8778

Keywords:

Student loan debt, nonprofit sector

Abstract

In the United States, the number of students graduating with debt and the amount of this debt have grown significantly in recent years. Little is known about the impact of loan debt on career choices and trajectories, particularly for graduates entering the nonprofit sector. To examine the role of student debt on postgraduation job search and employment, this study used a national sample of 464 graduates who have earned the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. The findings indicate that race/ethnicity, childhood economic status, gradu-ation year, and amount of tuition assistance influence the acquisition of student loan debt. Amount of student loan debt, however, does not influence the sector of the grad-uate’s first job choice. The only significant factors related to first job are race/ethnicity and graduation year. The discussion outlines potential concerns for nonprofit sector leaders to recruit and retain a talented workforce. 

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Author Biographies

Julianne Gassman, University of Northern Iowa

Director of  Community Engagement

Associate Professor, Leisure, Youth, and Human Services

Campus Director, Nonprofit Leadership Alliance

 

Dorothy Norris-Tirrell, Nonprofit Leadership Alliance

Senior Director of Academic Affairs and Research

Nonprofit Leadership Alliance

Kristina Kofoot, University of Northern Iowa

Program Coordinator for Community Engagement

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Published

2018-07-05

Issue

Section

Articles