RE: she had almost $200k in student loan debt for her “Native American Studies” degrees...
Do you happen to know what University she got this degree from?
Heck, even a very expensive school like NYU which charges close to $65000 for tuition plus board gives student aid to the tune of $30,000 on average making the net payment $35,000.
Personally, I have little sympathy for those who do so! I had the equivalent of $30K student loan in today's dollars when I graduated and paid it off within 8 years... Of course, back then..., students didn't have credit cards and espresso machines in their apartments.... Also, it was common to work part-time whenever possible!
She probably changed majors a few times....bringing the total to 200k