The Real Cost title logo: What is the price of the American dream? Student debt documentary directed by Sam Menendez and produced by Annie Menendez
The Real Cost (2023) official documentary poster, directed by Sam Menendez

The Real Cost

Documentary · 1 hr 14 min · Written, directed & produced by Sam Menendez · Produced & executive produced by Annie Menendez · An Apollo Studios production

Americans owe more than $1.8 trillion in student loans. The Real Cost goes deep into the student debt crisis: where it came from, what it is doing to borrowers and whether there is a way out. Many borrowers have already paid back what they borrowed, yet penalties, unchecked interest and predatory lending keep their balances growing. The film asks whether today's government efforts are enough to bring real change.

Featuring Melanie Hanson, Constantine Yannelis and Elizabeth Shermer.

Watch The Real Cost on Apple TV · The Real Cost on IMDb

Taylor Nadauld slated before his interview. Behind the scenes of The Real Cost, a student debt documentary directed by Sam Menendez and produced by Annie Menendez
Animated illustration of a hand signing a student loan contract. Still from The Real Cost, a student debt documentary directed by Sam Menendez and produced by Annie Menendez
Interviewee smiling in front of a bookshelf. Still from The Real Cost, a student debt documentary directed by Sam Menendez and produced by Annie Menendez
Man in a plaid shirt during an interview about student debt. Still from The Real Cost, a documentary directed by Sam Menendez and produced by Annie Menendez
Taylor Nadauld interviewed in a home office. Still from The Real Cost, a student debt documentary directed by Sam Menendez and produced by Annie Menendez
Students gathered on the steps of a columned university building. Still from The Real Cost, a student debt documentary directed by Sam Menendez and produced by Annie Menendez
The U.S. Capitol at dusk in Washington, D.C. Still from The Real Cost, a student debt documentary directed by Sam Menendez and produced by Annie Menendez

Watch Trailer

Behind the scenes: editing The Real Cost in the edit bay, a student debt documentary directed by Sam Menendez and produced by Annie Menendez
Behind the scenes: framing an interview shot in a living room for The Real Cost, a student debt documentary directed by Sam Menendez and produced by Annie Menendez
Behind the scenes: crew filming an interview in a home library for The Real Cost, a student debt documentary directed by Sam Menendez and produced by Annie Menendez
Behind the scenes: filming on a university campus for The Real Cost, a student debt documentary directed by Sam Menendez and produced by Annie Menendez
Behind the scenes: two-camera interview setup in a home office for The Real Cost, a student debt documentary directed by Sam Menendez and produced by Annie Menendez
American flag lit by window light in a dark room. Still from The Real Cost, a student debt documentary directed by Sam Menendez and produced by Annie Menendez
Woman with blue hair in a reflective moment during an interview. Still from The Real Cost, a student debt documentary directed by Sam Menendez and produced by Annie Menendez
New York City skyline at sunset. Still from The Real Cost, a student debt documentary directed by Sam Menendez and produced by Annie Menendez

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