Our Student Loan Secrets: Graham's Story

Graham avoided student loan debt by not going to college. Instead, he pursued a career as an artist, specializing in woodworking and metal casting. But 12 years after leaving high school, he says the stigma of not having a degree has limited his career opportunities—and he's now heading back to college. "This world will not accept you as a valid member of the workforce without a degree," he says. "I haven't played the game." 

More than 44 million Americans have student loan debt, but we don’t often always feel comfortable talking about it. Death, Sex & Money wants to show you you’re not alone. Explore our ongoing project Our Student Loan Secrets to find out how other people are dealing with their debt, tell your story, and find out where you fit in the student loan landscape.