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of the year; last March it was 5.4 percent).
• "Increasing student debt in a weak economy can be a knock-out blow to many considering college," said Rich Williams, higher education advocate with U.S. Public Interest Research Group, which advocates for students. "As our economy is recovering, lawmakers must send every signal that college is a good investment. "
• Among other finding in the TICAS report:
• --Private (non-federal) student loans, which generally have weaker borrower protections but have been diminishing as a source of student borrowing, accounted for about one-fifth of the debt owed by the Class of 2011.
• --Debt levels vary widely by state, ranging from $17,250 in Utah to $32,450 in New Hampshire.
• --Debt at individual schools ranged from $3,000 to $55,250 though not all schools report that data.
• --Among colleges, the percentage of graduates with debt ranged from 12 percent to 100 percent. At 64 schools, more than 90 percent of student graduated with debt.
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10 Things to Know for Today
The Associated Press
• Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today (times in EDT):
• 1. ARREST IN NYC FEDERAL RESERVE PLOT
• The car bomb was phony, but authorities say Quazi Nafis' admiration of Osama bin Laden and aspirations for martyrdom were not.
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• 2. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES PLAY POLITICS FOR LAUGHS
• Obama and Romney quiet the hostilities to deliver some lighthearted fare at a white-tie gala in New York City, at 7:55 p.m. and 9 p.m., respectively. Obama also tapes an appearance on "The Daily Show" at 3:30 p.m.
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• 3. U.S. COLLEGE DEBT UP 5 PERCENT THIS YEAR
• Two-thirds of the class of 2011 finished school with loan debt, and those who borrowed walked off the graduation stage owing $26,600 on average.
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• 4. HERE COMES THE ROYAL BRIDE
• The tiny country of Luxembourg prepares for a turn in the spotlight on Friday and (Continued on page 28)
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