Wisconsinites owe $23.6 billion in student loans, and thousands of Wisconsin borrowers are in default. “I think there is justifiable concern about student loan debt,” said Trone, whose group helps Wisconsinites figure out costs before, during and after college. Advertisement“But we are seeing signs that many more students are hesitating or choosing not to pursue postsecondary education because they figure that’s the only way to avoid student loan debt,” Trone said. “In Wisconsin, the average amount of student loan debt that an undergraduate takes on is about $33,000 for someone who completes their degree. Forget the ‘dream’ school“I caution people about talking about their ‘dream college,’” Trone said.