However in New Jersey, it appears as though student loans are still expected to be paid, even if someone gets cancer or even dies.

This is something that Marcia DeOliveira-Longinetti learned when trying to close out a list of things to take care of after her son's unsolved murder last year. When Marcia called about federal loans that her son had taken out for college, an administrator offered condolences and assured her that the balance would be written off. However, the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority gave a quite a different response.

"Please accept our condolences on your loss. After careful consideration of the information you provided, the authority has determined that your request does not meet the threshold for loan forgiveness. Monthly bill statements will continue to be sent to you." a letter from the agency read.