16.The growing number of students with student loans reflects two changes: the rising cost of
college tuition and the growing number of students from low- and middle-income families
going to college. The rise in college tuition here is easy to spot. Tuitions at both public and
private universities rose much faster than the consumer price index. As for the economic
backgrounds of students with loans, the regulations governing student loans explain. Only
families with annual incomes below NT$1.2 million can apply for these loans.
_______________ Many college students take out student loans to reach their educational
goals, but graduates, even before they find a job, immediately find themselves facing the
pressure of making payments! It is hard to decide if student loans should be regarded as
dream makers or heavy burdens.
(A) Consequently, the rise in the percentage of students applying reflects the greater number
of students from low- and middle-income families applying.
(B) According to the Ministry of Education, the number of applications for student loans from
students in high schools grew 5.3 times from 1998 to 2008.
(C) As summer slips into fall, universities have finished shipping out this year’s graduates and
have turned toward welcoming new students.
(D) Going to college in Asian countries certainly poses a heavy financial burden on college
students and their families.