On the heels of Congress doubling some student loan interest rates, Americans appear to be putting less value on a college degree. According to the latest COUNTRY Financial Security Index^®survey, just half of Americans say a college education is still a good financial investment. This is down seven points from last year and a 31-point drop from 2008, when the recession was in full swing.

The impact of student loan debt on financial freedom could be one reason confidence in a college degree is eroding. One in five surveyed have student loan debt and 55 percent say their education loans are affecting decisions such as getting married, buying a home and/or saving for retirement. Postponing major life decisions could be due to the fact that nearly four in ten Americans (39 percent) say it will take them 10 years or more to pay off their loan debt.

"It's disappointing to see Americans devaluing a college degree. It's clear that the Great Recession is still rippling through the U.S. economy, now shaking our confidence in higher education. But as much as rising tuition costs and student loans tarnish the perception of this investment, having a college degree remains an important differentiator in the job market," says Joe Buhrmann, manager of financial security support at COUNTRY Financial. "To balance college education costs with other life decisions, create a financial plan to help you track your finances. Then map out that plan with your loan counselor so you can make regular, manageable payments."

For an infographic on how Americans feel about the value of a college degree and rising student loan debt, visit www.countryfinancialsecurityblog.com.