Heavy debt loads weigh down prospective job hunters

Bilan Arteis pleased she'sfinishing up her degree at the University of Manitoba - a double major in criminology and political science.

She'd like to do her master's, but instead, likemany studentsthis time of year, may soon be looking for a job.

It's part of the reality for many studentsgiven their high debt loads.

Arte, who's21 years old,isnearly $20,000 in debt.

"It's crazy," she said. "When I think about it, it really adds so much stress."

Outstanding student loans in Canada total $14.6 billion, but the federal government said that number fluctuates as students make payments on their loans.

The Canadian Federation of Studentstold CBC that's the highest it's ever been.

It said in 2012, 59 percent of students graduated with an average debt load of $24,579.

TD Bank chief economist Craig Alexander said while an investment in education is worthwhile, students should choose a profession wisely.

"If you take on a lot of debt to get a degree that's going to (give you) less marketable skills, then you are going to have a tougher time when you graduate," he said.

Arte concedes her hope of continuingher studies may not be the smartest move right now.

"It's knowing if I do continue, I might be looking at racking up close to $50,000 of student debt."

For now, she's thinkingshe'll concentrate on payingdown what she owes now.