Separating Education from the Degree: Is that the solution for student loan debt in America?

Today I was reading online and found this article "How to fix the Student Debt Crisis in One Easy Step" by Brett Arenda.  I was intrigued, what could the one step be to cure our country of student debt?

The Problem

Student loan debt is a huge problem for graduating students. The number of active borrowers has gone down since 2010 yet Americans owe 1.2 trillion in student loans_1. 

Brett gives a recap  of  Fox Business network host Neil Cavuto dialogue with Keely Mullen a student protest organizer on the country's student debt crisis should be handled and who who should pay to resolve the issue.

Whose Solution is Best?

Mullen's position is complete forgiveness of all student loans and that public universities give degrees free.

Cavulto argues that Mullen's solution would only result in financial stress on taxpayers.

Brett has a completely different idea-- separate education from the awarding of degrees, With this solution people could pursue education in many different forms, one-on-one instruction, self-study, maybe even professor led co-ops. However, an individual chooses to learn they would have to take the exam to receive their degree from a third party.

Final Thoughts

I find this solution fascinating. I feel that students pursuing a degree would be more engaged in their education because they would need to exercise effort to prepare themselves, find educational materials and resources, and educational communities. Too often students coast through college at exorbitant costs. This solution would help the student loan debt dilemma and produce driven educated employees for today's job market. 

Footnote₁ From Debt.org