I’m hearing so many lies about the change in the government’s education loan programs that I have to set the record straight. Anyone who cares about cutting government spending and helping students and their parents should love the change. But the truth of the program is being hijacked by the people who scream no. Here’s what’s happening:
For [...]
Starting July 1, higher-ed students will get their federal Stafford loans directly from the government rather than from banks. About 50 percent of students do this already, through the federal Direct Loan program. Under a provision tucked into the Affordable Health Care Act, all students will soon be borrowing that way.
The change will save the [...]
It turns out that one of the barriers to getting college aid is the federal aid form itself. It’s so complicated, with 153 detailed questions about income and assets, that you want to throw it out, and many families do. Or they find it impossible to fill out correctly. I don’t understand some of the questions [...]
1. Fill in the federal FAFSA form (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid). That qualifies you for Pell Grants and government-subsidized Stafford student loans, if your family has a modest income. Higher-income families have to fill it in too, to qualify for unsubsidized Staffords and any aid that the college has to offer.
2. Apply to [...]
