Poll: Most Texans concerned with mounting college debt

University of Texas at Austin costs close to $25,000 a year after factoring in tuition, fees, books, room and board and transportation, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. University of Texas at Austin costs close to $25,000 a year after factoring in tuition, fees, books, room and board and transportation, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Photo: Ashley Landis, Special Contributor Photo: Ashley Landis, Special Contributor Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Poll: Most Texans concerned with mounting college debt 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

AUSTIN -- Nearly four out of five Texans worry that student loan debt is a "major problem," and close to three of four people here lacking a college degree say that cost is standing in their way to earning one, according to a poll released Tuesday.

Pollsters from Austin-based SRATEX, LLC, found more than 90 percent of the 800 people surveyed said it is important for the state to fund financial aid for first-time students from low and middle income families trying to earn a degree.

The poll is the second of its kind from Western Governors University, a non-profit online university, and comes as the state pushes toward the goal of having 60 percent of young adults under 34 armed with a post-secondary degree by the year 2030.

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The survey found 78 percent of Texans surveyed between Sept. 6 and Sept. 16 consider student loan debt a major problem in the United States; 72 percent of those without a college degree said cost is an obstacle to earning a diploma.

Average tuition in Texas public schools runs around $7,500 a year, totaling about $30,000 for students who finish in four years, not including costs for room and board or textbooks. For example, attending Texas A&M University this year will run $9,707 in tuition and fees but total $26,885 after books, lodging, transportation and supplies. University of Houston students are on the hook for $11,078 in tuition this year but related expenses will amount to a $28,953 price tag.