BRIT MED STUDENT DEBT

Medical students in the United Kingdom are burdened by higher education-related debt than a year ago, according to a recent survey by the British Medical Association (BMA). BMA statistics show that the average debt being carried by final-year med school students is £13,000 (roughly $20,000), with the highest level at £42,500 (about $66,300). Debt levels tended to be higher among lower-income students, which is preventing many less affluent students from entering medical school, officials say. Medical students incur higher debts than other UK students because their courses are longer and more expensive, and they generally have less time to work outside jobs to earn extra money. According to the American Association of Medical Colleges, the average US medical school graduate has about $100,000 in education debt.