ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As the Supreme Court hears arguments challenging President Joe Biden’s student loan debt forgiveness program, many college students and graduates are watching closely.

“As a student, it will really affect me," said college student Shane Pierre of Valley Stream, New York. 

What You Need To Know

  • College students and graduates are keeping a watch on the Supreme Court student loan debt hearings

  • Nearly 45 million Americans have federal student loan debt, not including personal loans

  • Decisions on the cases aren’t expected until the summer

Pierre will graduate in May, but his college education will not be paid for years to come.

“Well, you know, immediately, I’m thinking of getting a job, trying to find a place that I would like to stay with as long as possible, but also having a good enough salary,” he said. “So that may mean skipping out on something that I may be more passionate about if it doesn’t pay as much as I would like. Because I would like to get rid of these loans as quickly as possible.”

Pierre is one of nearly 45 million Americans with federal student loan debt, and that’s not including personal loans.

Ryan Torpey will also graduate college in May.

“A lot of times, we’re constantly paying off this student debt over a great period of time and that’s limiting our ability to invest in other areas, such as potentially looking at homeownership or furthering careers,” he said. “And I feel like forgiving this debt would potentially alleviate financial burden and thus allow for further economic opportunity and more tax revenue. So, essentially, it’s an investment into the future.”

Some college students say they plan to follow the Supreme Court hearing closely and the outcome of the case will be something that will affect their decisions about their future, both short and long-term.

“I will pay attention because, you know, I am a student,” Pierre said. “I’ve already seen some things on Twitter. People [are] very passionate, some protestors, you know, [I’m] happy for them [and] proud that they’re out there. Wish I could be out there too, but I got work to do.”

Some students do hope the Biden plan passes, but say they are skeptical.

"I do hope so, although I do feel that honestly because of the current administration, they’ve been kind of dragging their feet a bit,” Torpey said. “And ultimately, you hope for the best but expect for the worst, you know?”

For now, federal student loan payments are temporarily paused. Decisions on the cases aren’t expected until the summer.