Government and Academic Sources:
* Federal Reserve: The Federal Reserve regularly publishes data on household debt, including student debt, though it may not always isolate credit card debt specifically from other forms of student borrowing. Look for publications and reports on consumer credit and household finances.
* Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB): The CFPB conducts research and publishes reports on consumer financial well-being, including student debt and credit card usage. Their website is a good place to start.
* National Center for Education Statistics (NCES): While they might not have dedicated reports on credit card debt specifically, NCES data on student financial aid and college costs can help understand the context in which students might accumulate credit card debt.
* Sallie Mae: Though a private company, Sallie Mae (a major student loan provider) often conducts surveys and publishes reports on student financial habits, including credit card usage. These reports often provide insights into trends.
* University Research: Many universities have economics or finance departments that conduct research on student debt. Searching university websites for relevant research papers or publications can be fruitful.
Other Reliable Sources:
* The New York Federal Reserve's Consumer Credit Panel: This data set offers insights into household credit card debt trends, though filtering it down to college students would require additional analysis.
* Credit Counseling Agencies: Non-profit credit counseling agencies often publish articles and resources on student debt and financial literacy. They may have insights into the trends they see among their clients.
* Financial News Outlets: Publications like the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and the New York Times regularly report on personal finance trends, including student debt. Look for articles focusing specifically on credit card debt among students.
Search Terms: When searching online, use specific keywords like:
* "college student credit card debt trends"
* "student credit card debt statistics"
* "impact of credit cards on college students"
* "student loan and credit card debt"
Remember to critically evaluate the source's credibility and potential biases when reviewing information from various sources. Look for reports based on large, representative samples and methodologies that are clearly explained.