Student debt relief – three words that signal financial hope.

Still, just the mere “student debt” in any context can make one cringe.

According to the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, the average student loan debt for students at public schools is $37,338. For students at private schools, loan debt averages $54,921. For all student loan borrowers, the average debt is $39,251.

There is no magic formula that lenders advise each student should adhere to, as there are so many variables per family. However, sound strategies exist for loan management. Laura M. Stimmel, branch manager at Middlefield Bank in Westerville, offered some advice for the soon-to-be-collegian and families.

“We understand that financing higher education is one of the most significant financial decisi

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