[Cletus.D.Yokel]

just wondering out loud...

Would that be a legitimate interview question? At a minimum, a simple, “Do you have any outstanding student debt from your education?”

[dfwgator]

Or “how did you finance your education”?

I would think all things being equal, I would be more impressed with someone who worked through college and paid for at least part of their own education, rather than relying on loans, it shows they have at least some awareness of how to manage money, which is skill that is useful in many areas, even outside of finance.

[HotHunt]

".... Would that be a legitimate interview question?..."

Hale yes, it's legitimate. Why not?

I ran credit reports on all prospective tenants when I owned rentals. It's legitimate and legal if you have them sign a credit authorization release.

So run a frickin' credit report on all job applicants. That'll get you the answer you're looking for.