Don't cherry pick. Student loans, though a new idea in the UK, are rapidly inflating in price. Not to the astronomical levels of the USA but heading in that general direction. Care for the elderly is a growing rapidly also. I don't have any close family in that situation but I there are extended family members who are and the costs are comparable to the figure quoted - though I don't have exact figures.

So, not so different after all.

UK student loans are nothing like the USA. It is in effect a graduate tax that you may or may not stop paying one day. Your repayments are a fixed percentage above a very generous floor, with no effect on credit ratings, mortgage applications or anything else. UK student loans will never destroy anyone's life.

Yes, but £27,000+ minimum of debt for an undergraduate degree is still a lot of money. Plus cost of living is very high for most places in the UK where there's lots of employment to be found.

It's not a #27000 debt in any meaningful sense. It's a slightly higher tax rate and some smoke and mirrors.

To make it clear you repay at 9% of your income above £21,000, and get a year's grace just after graduating.

There are no consequences to failing to pay it back if your income is below £21k.