Considering the trend of the last two decades to move financial aid from grant money to student loans, the new National Center for Education Statistics's report on debt burden serves as a timely assessment of the results of this shift. "The study examines the debt of 1992-93 bachelor's degree recipients in light of their financial circumstances in 1997, approximately 4 years after they earned their degree." It examines their total debt and their progress in repaying it four years later. It assesses such issues as the impact of borrowing on future enrollment in post-secondary education and on lifestyle issues, such as the formation of a family, purchasing of a home or car, and accrual of savings. The report also gives data on average monthly debt repayments.