NICC partnering to promote the documentary "Broke, Busted and Disgusted" about college costs

A new documentary by a group of Iowa filmmakers looks at the high cost of college.  "Broke, Busted & Disgusted" educates students and their parents on the student loan debt crisis in the U.S. and the costs of attending college.

Northeast Iowa Community College has agreed to promote the documentary, joining the Iowa Credit Union Foundation and a number of Iowa credit unions in partnering with the co-creator of the film, Adam Carroll.

Iowa is ranked sixth in the nation in terms of average student loan indebtedness.  Currently, 72 percent of Iowans have student loan debt with an average of $29,370 per graduate.

Carroll and his team plan to offer the film to every high school in Iowa at no cost, with the goal of one million views.  The Iowa Credit Union Foundation has pledged $5,000 in support of Carroll's cause to offer the film and provide downloadable resources for parents and students. More than 15 Iowa credit unions have pledged an additional $40,000 in support as well.

Carroll's mission is to make Iowa the most financially-literate state in the nation by changing the way people approach and understand how to finance higher education.

NICC enrollment specialist Jane Boge calls the documentary "the most eye-opening and jaw-dropping documentary that addresses the crisis of high student loan debt head-on."  Boge hopes that after seeing the documentary, parents and students will have real dialogue about the costs of attending a college or university and gain a stronger understanding of how student loan debt affects individuals and the economy.

NICC is planning to offer free showings of Broke, Busted & Disgusted for community members at the college's campuses and centers this spring.

To view the documentary online and learn more about its purpose, visit www.brokebusteddisgusted.com/ia-schools.