An increasing number of college students are accumulating high levels of credit card debt during their studies, new research has found.

A study commissioned by TrueCredit.com found that almost a quarter of students graduate owing more than $5,000 to credit card companies.

Ten per cent of those quizzed said they had managed to acquire plastic card debt of $10,000.

Luci Dunn, TrueCredit.com's director of consumer education, said that people in these groups could find the adverse impact of their debts proves to be long term.

"Credit card debt impacts more than just your wallet today. It can also affect your credit score well beyond your college years," she warned.

Illinois State University's newspaper, the Daily Vidette, recently warned that credit card debt can be particularly dangerous for students.

It explained that as the value of credit card debt rises if it is not repaid, it impacts on the ability of the individual to make fixed repayments on products such as student loans.

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