While I cannot share the data, the result was clear (and what I expected to see): the information content of their customers offerings was far higher than that of the mainstream economy.

FORBES: Can You Use Big Data? The Litmus Test

Obviously I cannot make specific treatment recommendations but let me share my general thoughts.

CNN: How can I help my despairing son?

Too often the blame is placed on students' irresponsible spending habits, but I cannot help but feel that college administrators and corporate parties share some of the culpability as well.

CNN: Your e-mails: Students paying off the past

"If we need to lose market share because of our terms, I'm willing to concede business if we cannot continue to operate on the margins or the terms that are reasonable for our organization, " Mike Broderick, Federal-Mogul's chief executive, said on the call.

WSJ: P&G, Big Companies Pinch Suppliers on Payments