Your editorial suggesting that the federal government should “own’’ the student loan problem overlooks several key points.

First, unlike trade schools, colleges are not in the business of promising to impart specialized job-related skills. They are not employment agencies.

Second, what students actually get out of the college experience depends a great deal on what they put into it: choosing appropriate courses, studying hard, becoming involved in extra-curricular activities such as sports and clubs.

Third, with dramatic shifts in the economy, prospects for employment can change significantly during the time spent in school, and such factors are not under the control of college administrations or loan-granting agencies.

Fourth, it should be reasonable to assume that one who is qualified to enter college understands the basics of taking out a loan, including the expectation to pay back the principal with interest. That would be Econ 101.

Suggesting that taxpayers pick up the tab for unpaid loans unfairly shifts the burden to others. Rather, the solution may lie in longer terms, lower interest rates, or perhaps partial forgiveness for time spent in public service.

Scott Simpson

Carlisle