New graduates who will have loans to repay might have an easier time when Democrats take control of congress next month.

Democratic leaders are promising lower payments on new college loans by cutting the interest rate in half.

The average Wisconsin student graduating in 2005 had more than $17,000 of debt.

That number was slightly less for UW-Eau Claire students and just under $14,000 for UW-La Crosse students.

That's according to the nonprofit Project on Student Debt.

But the Democrats' proposal comes with a price tag.

It would cost 18 billion dollars over five years.