How do Americans feel about measures aimed at forgiving some or all student debt? The answer may depend on their personal experience with the matter. We experimented with different wording when asking Americans about their support for the federal government forgiving up to $10,000 in student loans: Half of respondents were asked about their support for canceling up to $10,000 for all borrowers who owe at least that much, while the other half were asked about a means-tested version of this proposal, which would only apply to people earning below $100,000. We find similar patterns overall, and a similar political divide, for both questions.

Half of Americans (51%) somewhat or strongly support the federal government canceling $10,000 in federal student-loan debt for each borrower who owes at least that much; 39% somewhat or strongly oppose. Support is much higher – 76% – among people who currently have student loans, but slightly lower among people who already paid off their student loans (48%) or never had any to begin with (44%).

Support for forgiving up to $10,000 in student debt also differs by party: Democrats largely support it, by 70% to 19%, while only 28% of Republicans support it and 62% oppose it About half of Independents (51%) support the measure, while 38% oppose it.