Updated: August 12, 2025
Student loan debt is crushing young Catholics—and the very institutions meant to form them in faith might be making the problem worse. In this episode of The Catholic Money Show, Jonathan and Amanda Teixeira tackle one of the most pressing and overlooked scandals in Catholic higher education: the staggering student loan burdens that Catholic colleges are helping create. They unpack why this is happening, the moral responsibility of Catholic institutions, and how both schools and families can chart a better path forward.
What’s Happening at Catholic Colleges?
Catholic colleges are known for their strong academics, vibrant faith life, and commitment to forming the whole person. But behind the promotional brochures and campus tours, many of these institutions are saddling students with massive debt loads.
Jonathan and Amanda explore how rising tuition costs—combined with aggressive student loan packages—are creating life-long financial struggles for graduates. In some cases, the student loan burden is so heavy that it becomes nearly impossible for young Catholics to marry, start families, or pursue vocations without years of financial strain.
The Moral Question
This isn’t just a financial issue—it’s a moral one. Catholic teaching calls for institutions to uphold the dignity of the human person and to promote the common good. So when Catholic colleges encourage or enable excessive borrowing, it raises a serious question: Are they living out their mission, or compromising it?
“If a Catholic college’s practices are making it harder for young Catholics to live out their vocations, then something is seriously wrong.” – Jonathan Teixeira, The Catholic Money Show
The Teixeiras challenge listeners to think about what it really means for a Catholic institution to be Catholic—and how this extends beyond theology classes and campus ministry into the way they handle finances and student aid.
Possible Paths Toward Change
Rather than simply pointing out the problem, Jonathan and Amanda propose tangible changes, such as:
- Transparent tuition and aid packages – Giving students and families a clear picture of costs and repayment realities before enrollment.
- Prioritizing affordability – Making intentional decisions to keep tuition in line with actual family income levels.
- Fostering financial literacy – Equipping students with the tools to make wise borrowing and budgeting decisions.
They also encourage prospective students and parents to approach the college decision with eyes wide open—evaluating not just academics and faith life, but also the long-term financial impact.
Why This Matters to Every Catholic
Even if you’re not a student or a parent, this issue affects the Church as a whole. Crushing student debt delays or prevents vocations, family formation, home ownership, and generosity to parishes and ministries. In other words, it impacts the future vitality of the Catholic Church in the U.S.
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