Massive, blind loans given to anyone with a pulse.
And big shocker, they aren't being repaid. Yeah, that would be because much of the money was spent on partying, drugs, and Xbox's.
http://36hrw115apll2tgpf9vbfhw1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/federal-student-loans-outstanding-data_chartbuilder1.png
The loans have stopped and now the govt wants its money back. You think it's bad now? You ain't seen nothin yet!