No, generally it increases tuition. But 20% of students will outright default, and another 35% will receive some sort loan forgiveness, by working for government or certain segments that have government programs.
You are moving goalposts. College is VASTLY more affordable to the student now than in 1970. Not only can anyone , including illegal aliens enroll in a 4 year college without laying out a dime, many of them will have more cash on hand after enrollment.
Not according to Webster. Long term financial impact is actually varied. The defaulters will now face credit issues - but were immune during the Obama administrations, including the Biden puppet. The 10% who earn a STEM related degree will likely have the earning potential to repay the loan without burden. And those who enter government at any level won't be required to repay loans at all.
In reality though, it is more affordable as students don't need to put down 20% of their parent's income to attend the first class. The need for cash in hand was a barrier to many people to attend college. They couldn't AFFORD the hit to bank accounts or qualify for a second mortgage, couldn't come up with the cash. Simply put, they couldn't afford college.
I never said it was cheaper - I said it was more affordable - far more people can afford it.