Representatives camp out in student unions across the nation, advertising their products with offers of free T-shirts, frisbees and radios. All these prices and more come with only with one cost: filling out a credit card application.

For some college students, the seemingly innocent act of registering for a credit card can lead to an irresistible urge to spend.

A recent study by student loan company Nellie Mae reported that the average college student has amassed $1,843 in credit card debts. Students in the Midwest have the highest average credit card balance at $2,478, the study showed.

Even though college administrators and state legislators have made efforts to restrain the marketing of credit cards to students, college campuses nevertheless remain a popular target for companies looking to snare new customers.

Northwestern sociology Prof. Bruce Carruthers said the affluent background of many NU students makes them a particularly attractive target.

“Most card companies want new consumers as they come on line, and a great place to start is with college students,” Carruthers said. “People at Northwestern are usually from households with a lot of income. (Credit card companies) may think if you do get in trouble, your family will bail you out.”

Elson Huang, a Weinberg junior, said he knows firsthand the pitfalls of excessive credit card use. Huang currently owns two credit cards, but he once juggled four.

“I had an impulse to splurge, and it was money I didn’t have,” he said.

Huang spent his summer working to pay off nearly $5,000 in debt after having to make minimum payments each month.

Organizations like the United College Marketing Services stress the importance of educating students about the responsibilities of owning a credit card and try to prevent situations like Huang’s from arising.

The company has been conducting educational seminars on campuses for years, advising students to watch out for short-term introductory rates, stick to a budget and avoid late payments.