Farm students less debt-prone

13 July 2000



Farm students ‘less debt-prone’

by FWi staff

DEBT is less of a problem for those at agricultural college than for most students, according to Ian Robson, head of student services at Harper Adams.

Holiday jobs on farms can allow youngsters to escape the worst ravages of debt, he told delegates at a National Sixth-Form Conference.

“You can work long hours and earn lots of cash,” said Mr Robson, adding that such opportunities were “unique” to those on land-based courses.

Debt is an integral part of student life in the wake of a shift from grants to loans for college funding. Some of this years leavers owe up to 10,000.

Mr Robson said: “This does worry students and parents. No-one likes borrowing money – particularly in farming.”