This paper makes a comparison and contrast with the work of Johnes (1994). A similar set of survey results are employed to identify the variables which influence undergraduates' decision to take out student loans. In general income factors are not found to be significant. There is evidence that being in debt is influential. This concurs with Johnes' findings, although in this research credit card debts are also found to be a significant influence. The results suggest that marital status has a significant effect on taking out a loan, but the direction of the effect opposes Johnes results.