In most cases, it’s NOT just college loans that cause financial problems. As noted above @TrendaLeigh defaulted on her loans…and that is always a big problem, not just for college loans but for ANY loan.
I agree that a personal finance course is an excellent elective choice. I would strongly suggest students take this.
One of my kids is a musician, and earns a modest income. He has taken a couple of courses related to personal finances (an elective in his undergrad program), and budgeting/money management for the self employed (required in his grad program). He isn’t rich. He didn’t have college loans to pay himself…but he knows how to manage money…and he does so well.
He says…a lot about this is choices.