Real Stories - DebtFree Campus

Featured Video Stories

Watch powerful video testimonials from students and graduates sharing their debt journeys

Sarah Chen speaking in video testimonial about her student debt journey and advocacy work

Success Story

Sarah Chen

UC Berkeley Graduate

"From $67K in debt to leading campus advocacy that helped 200+ students. My story shows how struggle can become strength."

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Marcus Johnson in video testimonial discussing policy advocacy and grassroots organizing

Advocacy Win

Marcus Johnson

Policy Advocate

"My $43K debt motivated me to organize. Now we've influenced state legislation capping interest rates at 3% for in-state students."

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Debt Forgiven

Elena Rodriguez

Community Organizer

"After $127K in grad school debt, I found forgiveness through public service. Now I help others navigate relief programs."

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Written Stories

Read detailed personal accounts from our community members

Jessica Martinez

Community College Graduate

Success Story $18K Debt

"Starting at community college saved me thousands. I transferred to a state university and graduated with minimal debt. The key was planning ahead and taking advantage of every grant and scholarship opportunity."

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David Kim

Private University Graduate

Still Struggling $73K Debt

"Five years post-graduation, I'm still living paycheck to paycheck. The monthly payments consume 40% of my income. I wish I had understood the real cost before signing those loan documents."

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Michael Thompson

Trade School Graduate

Success Story $32K Debt

"Trade school was the best decision I made. Two years of focused training, reasonable debt, and now I'm earning more than many of my friends with four-year degrees. Skilled trades are the future."

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Dr. Aisha Patel

Medical School Graduate

Advocacy Win $245K Debt

"Medical school debt nearly broke me financially and mentally. Now I advocate for healthcare worker loan forgiveness programs and have helped pass legislation in three states."

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Rachel Williams

State University Graduate

Success Story $28K Debt

"Working part-time throughout college and living at home helped keep my debt manageable. I paid off my loans in three years by living below my means and making extra payments."

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James Foster

Social Worker

Debt Forgiven $89K Debt

"Public Service Loan Forgiveness saved my financial future. After 10 years working in social services, my remaining $89K was forgiven. The program works if you understand the requirements."

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Your experience matters. Help others by sharing your student debt journey and become part of the movement for change.

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Real Stories, Real Impact