reduce student loan interest rates on unsubsidized loans. Rates 6.8% vs subsidized 3.4% causes econ hardship and default

Student loan interest rates for unsubsidized student loans are double that of subsidized loans, 6.8% vs 3.4%. These rates are nearly double that of a home mortgage. They cause economic hardship and loan default which can ruin a borrowers credit rating for life. A 6.8% interest rate in this economy is unjustified at best and borders on extortion. Students with these rates sometimes are only able to pay interest, if that, never allowing the principal to be reduced. Students want to pay the loans but with rates this high it can cause students to stop paying. There should be a cap on these rates of no more than 5% giving the unsubsidized and subsidized a more equal footing after graduation when the loans have to be repaid.