cafeterias on campus, thus the effective price is about €2-3. Persistent failure to progress in studies ultimately leads to the termination of student benefits. Likewise, when evaluated on a yearly basis, income of over €660 per month on supported months and over €1,970 per month on unsupported months reduces the student benefit. Typically, nine months are supported and three summer months are not, which gives a maximum annual income of €11,850. The benefits were raised in 2008 and 2014: in 2008 the direct support was increased by 15% and the income limits were raised by 30%; in August 2014 the direct support was raised by approx. 1.3% for those already studying and 11% larger for those starting their studies in 2014 accompanied by a 5-month decrease in the period of financial aid and a €100 increase in the student loan security. Despite this, students often find the benefit insufficient, thus working while studying or spending the entire summer at summer jobs is popular. Student loans are less popular than elsewhere. In year 2019 each Finnish student had approximately 8,200 euros in student debt. Student benefits are available to Finnish citizens. They are not available for students entering the country for the sole purpose of studying. See also College tuition in the United States EdFund Post-secondary education Private university Student debt Student loan Student loans in Germany Student loans in the United States Tuition fees References Education economics Student financial aid Education policy Social security in Finland Welfare economics