Criticism Mounts as Woman Escapes U.S. to Avoid Student Loan Payments
A 37-year-old American who moved to Prague to stop repaying student loans has provoked a wave of online criticism. Criticism mounts after social media users learned the woman left the U.S. in order to avoid student loan payments.
Background and relocation
The woman is Amanda Lynn Tully. She holds a BA in art history from Metropolitan State University of Denver.
She earned a master’s degree in historic preservation from the University of Oregon in 2017. Within a year, she relocated to Prague after failing to find work in conservation.
Loan details and repayment status
Tully says she owes roughly $65,000 in federal student loans. She stopped making repayments and has not paid for seven years.
She had been on an income-driven plan that required about $60 per month at one point. That plan offered loan forgiveness after 20 years of qualifying payments.
Relevant national figures
- More than 40 million Americans hold federal student debt.
- As of December 2025, about 7.7 million borrowers were in default.
- Defaults represented roughly $180 billion, about 11% of federal student loans.
Public response
Online reaction was harsh and immediate. Critics questioned her spending and her choice to leave the U.S.
Tully told Filmogaz.com she had never been “financially stable.” She added that her payments did not even cover interest, which increased her frustration.
Financial context and guidance
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says financial stability depends on money habits, not just income. Simple actions can improve control over finances.
Recommended steps include tracking expenses, aligning budgets with cash flow, and building an emergency fund. Shifting bill due dates and automating savings can also help reduce reliance on debt.
