Barclays predicts massive growth in students' debts

Student debt is predicted to triple to more than £30,000 by 2010 according to Barclays Bank, writes Alison Goddard.

The survey found that this year's graduates typically owe £11,000.

The figure will rise to £17,500 for today's school-leavers who graduate in 2006, and to £33,700 for those who graduate in 2010.

A spokesman for the Department for Education and Skills said: "Because the poorest students will benefit from having some of their fees paid and a non-repayable grant of up to £1,000, it is simply preposterous to suggest a debt level this high.

"University is a worthwhile investment that will only have to be repaid when a graduate is earning over £15,000, and then at a rate linked to their income so they only repay when they can afford to do so."