Student Loan Holders Beware: "Finding Debt a Bigger Hurdle Than Bar Exam"

The New York Times story about Robert Bowman and the consequences of his difficulty managing his student loan debt gave me a chill. It's one thing to block him from purchasing a house or other credit, but to deny him admission to the New York Bar is simply insane.

I get it: He's accrued approximately $435,000 in student debt over a 26-year period--a problematic feat if ever there was one. Denying him the opportunity to practice law, however, runs counter to his repaying the loans. It would seem more sensible to allow him to practice law--a far more lucrative field than most--and garner his wages. I could even wrap my head around admittance on the condition that he pay the debt in X amount of years. But to ban him completely is just moronic.

As a student loan holder who consolidated via the federal government's William D. Ford Direct loan program, I feel fairly safe. But I think this case sets a dangerous precedent and plan to keep my eye on this case. Those of you in similar loan situations to do the same.