Fifty-one billion dollars ($51,000,000,000) is the projected amount that the U.S. Department of education is expected to earn in profits from student loans in 2013. “Degrees of Debt” (www. DefendYourDollars.org) is a report by Consumers Union to highlight the need for student-loan reform. Student loan debt exceeds credit card debt. Is this fair to the individuals and their families who are trying to keep up with the increase costs of education?