"Lewis Gibson completed a 2:1 degree in politics and Spanish following a three-year course at the University of Sheffield. But having received around 67,000 in payments for maintenance and tuition under the Plan 2 student loan system, the 24-year-old now has a debt of 84,346.27, just nine months after graduating."
"Although Mr Gibson does not have to start paying back the money until he earns 28,470, he, like thousands of other university graduates, faces a spiralling debt with the balance subject to the rate of RPI (retail prices index) inflation, plus up to 3 per cent, depending on what he earns."
"Since April 2025, he said he had been charged 4,445 in interest. All the while, the graduate said he has experienced an uphill battle to try to land a political sector job suited to his degree, having applied for around 60 roles and only getting three interviews."
Lewis Gibson, a 24-year-old politics and Spanish graduate from the University of Sheffield, carries £84,346.27 in student debt just nine months after completing his degree. Despite receiving £67,000 in maintenance and tuition payments under Plan 2, his debt has grown significantly due to interest charges of £4,445 since April 2025. The debt accrues interest at the retail prices index inflation rate plus up to 3 percent. Although Gibson doesn't need to begin repayment until earning £28,470 annually, he faces challenges securing employment in his desired political sector, having applied for approximately 60 positions with only three interviews. Currently working part-time in retail while living with his parents, Gibson expresses uncertainty about ever fully repaying his substantial debt.
Read at www.independent.co.uk
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