Former Congressional Aide Gets Probation for Theft Sep 26, 2009
Her attorneys said she was living on her own for the first time and was struggling to pay her bills on a roughly $30,000 congressional salary with the high cost of living in Washington, student loan payments due and her irresponsible spending habits. Valdez, crying and dabbing at her eyes with a tissue, told the judge her actions were "stupid, selfish and wrong" but she is working to turn her life around and has learned the value of honesty. (Newsmax)
10 comments Sep 25, 2009
Obama has nationalized or heavily regulated key industries: the car industry, the student loan industry and much of the nation's key financial infrastructure. Carter wanted to impose a national health insurance system. (Human Events Online)
Costs weigh heavy as families plan for college Sep 24, 2009
And yet, the downturn "may be strengthening the resolve of American families to pursue higher education," says a survey of 800 college students and 804 parents conducted in the spring by student loan provider and Gallup. While some parents and students struggle more than others to cover costs, and some rethink priorities or make other tradeoffs as they decide where to enroll, the survey found that most families "expressed unexpected confidence in their ability to continue to pay" for college. (USA Today)
Congress mulls loan changes Sep 24, 2009
If the bill passes, all new federal student loans will come directly from the government through a direct loan program, instead of being provided by lenders like Sallie Mae or Chase. Lenders are currently subsidized by the government in the federally-guaranteed student loan program ... Dan Small, executive director of the Office of Student Financial Assistance, said instability and uncertainty in the student loan market last year contributed to the University's decision to apply for the Direct... (GW Hatchet, Washington DC)
Paying For College Sep 23, 2009
Jurek said that, unlike Stafford loans and other government-backed student loans, private college loans aren't regulated, so parents should ask a lot of questions ... Also, the U.S. credit crunch has put a lot of student loan makers out of business ... Walker said federal rules changes have made student loans less profitable, so many smaller lenders closed up shop. (KSBW 8, CA)
Richard Rahn: The Growing Debt Bomb Sep 23, 2009
Last week, Congress passed a bill requiring all student loans be made by the federal government rather than banks, which means the taxpayers will be 100 percent liable for any student loan defaults. You also learned that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. is considering tapping its Treasury credit line for up to $500 billion. (Newsmax)
Bill could increase student aid; narrow borrowing choices Sep 23, 2009
"When people lose their jobs or are working less, they typically have to prioritize things like housing and food. Sometimes they're not able to make a payment like a student loan payment - that might lead to create a default," said Paul Wagner, deputy commissioner of the state's higher education department. If the Senate gives student loan reform the OK, an altered system could help students by offering more grant money -- which doesn't require repayment -- but also has the potential to disrupt... (Fulton Sun, MO)
Money tips for college students Sep 23, 2009
College students should have a budget, and it;s not a bad idea for high school students either, according to The Student Loan People ... These tips are brought to you by The Student Loan People, a public, nonprofit corporation that provides education loans for students and parents through the Federal Family Education Loan Program ... For more complete information about student loans, visit www. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Financial aid tip of the month Sep 23, 2009
Here are capsule views about some of the more common federal grant and loan programs, courtesy of The Student Loan People ... The Student Loan People is a public, nonprofit corporation that provides education loans for students and parents through the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) ... For more information about student loans, visit www. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Obama lashes out at banks over student loans Sep 22, 2009
TROY, N.Y. (Reuters) President criticized the largest U.S. banks Monday for trying to thwart legislation that would overhaul federal student loan programs. He singled out in particular banks that have received bailout money from the federal government, saying they want to maintain the status quo on student loans because they get an "unwarranted subsidy" from it ... The House of Representatives last week approved legislation that would cut major banks and student loan giant out of a large slice... (USA Today -- Money)
> Transcript: Obama addresses Troy crowd Sep 22, 2009
Transcript: Obama addresses Troy community college crowd - The Business Review (Albany). for free extra services. (Albany Business Review, NY)
Drinking pals Sep 22, 2009
"It was hectic and I spent a huge amount of money. I had just got my first student loan payment, the most money I had had in my life. "So you think 'Oh my God, I can do whatever I want, eat whatever I want and drink constantly. " Now it's all about to happen again - as Tom embarks on a masters degree in Cambridge. But, older and wiser, he expects this Freshers' Week to be a quieter affair. It will be second time round for him but this week, half a million students begin university life for the... (BBC News -- UK)
Tuition loan pool tightens up Sep 22, 2009
Due to the federal government s decision to cut back on interest rates on student loans, some local banks have gotten out of the student loan business ... The government s decision to cut back on what it would pay for defaulted loans prompted the exodus of some banks, says Cathy Robertson, executive vice president of , which stopped offering student loans this year ... BancorpSouth announced in late spring that effective July 1, it would no longer offer student loans. (Memphis Business Journal, TN)
STRUGGLING WITH STUDENT LOANS? Managing Your Money Sep 22, 2009
Several options can help if you're struggling to pay student loans - USATODAY.com ... Several options can help if you're struggling to pay student loans ... By Sandra Block, USA TODAY When money is tight and jobs are scarce, repaying your student loans is painful. (USA Today -- Money)
House passes Act to frame affordable college loans Sep 22, 2009
In fact, by improving the way our student loan programs operate, we can expect a $10 billion savings for taxpayers, Holt said ... McAnuff said banks oppose the act, as they would no longer be a part of the student loan process. (The Daily Targum, NJ)
Read the 'Cost of Freedom' recap Sep 22, 2009
White House Plan to Takeover Student Loans: Backdoor Plan to Pay for Everyone's College Education ... The White House is pushing to takeover the nation's entire student loan program ... We gave a whole lot of money to the private sector to make student loans. (Fox News)
U.N.: Can halt violence against women Sep 22, 2009
Latest news, Latest News Headlines, news articles, news video, news photos - UPI.com (Yahoo News -- Women's Issues)
Costner emphasizes importance of friendship Sep 21, 2009
Sanderson is president of Student Loan Finance Corp.. "Norg has such a pride of South Dakota, and with the film festival, he really thought it was important that I would come. He's become a friend, and when a friend feels something is important, it suddenly becomes important to you," he said. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Rick Holmes: Reality check for health care reform Sep 21, 2009
There are also sections in the bills that offer student loan assistance and other programs to address the growing shortage of primary care physicians. You don't hear a lot of talk about this, or other reforms Republicans and Democrats largely agree on. (Wakefield Daily Item, MA)
Parents and students should avoid the student loan sinkhole Sep 20, 2009
Now throw into the mix the rising number of student loan defaults ... Student loan defaults have been relatively low since hitting their peak of 22 ... Go to and read the stories of victims living under crushing student loans. (Boston Globe)
Broun: Sounding the alarm for freedom Sep 20, 2009
This past week, the House of Representatives instituted more government control of our student loan industry. And as we all know, government control of our health care industry is next on President Obama's and Speaker Pelosi's agenda. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Student Loan Overhaul Approved by U.S. House Sep 19, 2009
WASHINGTON - The biggest change in U.S. higher education finance in 35 years was approved on Thursday by the House of Representatives, handing a defeat to major banks and student loan giant Sallie Mae. Lawmakers voted 253-171 in favor of legislation that would cut the banks and Sallie Mae out of a large slice of the $92 billion college student loan business, shifting most lending into a program run by the U.S. Education Department ... Then they took a heavy blow in mid-2008 when the secondary... (Newsmax)
College Students Struggle For Loans Sep 19, 2009
Chase Bank told Local 2 the student loan standards were revised over the last year and cosigners are now required at times. Loria's best advice is to apply early. (Click2Houston, TX)
The Young Pro Sep 19, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009 2:28 PM EST. Harkins is The Citizen's innovation coordinator, an active member of the IGNITE young professionals group in Cayuga County and is always happy to hear from fellow young pros. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Texas No. 2 In Student Loan Defaults; Some Area Schools Top State Average Sep 19, 2009
Texas No. 2 In Student Loan Defaults; Some Area Schools Top State Average. Texas No. 2 In Student Loan Defaults; Some Area Schools Top State Average Texas is second in the nation in the rate of federal student loan defaults, and the default rates at most Central Texas colleges and universities are higher than the state average, according to figures released by the U.S. Department of Education ... WASHINGTON (September 18, 2009)Texas ranks second in the country in the rate of federal student... (KWTX.com, TX)
CQ: Democrats run away from embattled ACORN Sep 19, 2009
Boehner noted that Thursdays successful vote that came on a procedural move a motion to recommit on the student loan bill could have been ruled out of order by the majority because it was not germane to the measure. But, he said, the bills chief sponsor, Rep. (MSNBC -- Politics)
U.S. House: End bank-based student lending Sep 19, 2009
The has voted in favor of abolishing bank-based student lending with a bill that would end subsidies to student loan companies. The projected $87 billion in savings would be used to expand aid to students and colleges, according to the. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Arizona leading in student defaults Sep 19, 2009
Arizona leads the nation for the rate of federal student loan defaults at 9. 8 percent at a time when the economy struggles to recover. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Student loan mkt overhaul by US Sep 18, 2009
Student loan market overhaul approved by US House- International Business-News-The Economic Times ... Student loan market overhaul approved by US House18 Sep 2009, 0322 hrs IST, REUTERS ... WASHINGTON: The biggest change in US higher education finance in 35 years was approved on Thursday by the House of Representatives, handing a defeat to major banks and student loan giant Sallie Mae. (India Times)
House OKs bill for takeover of student loans Sep 18, 2009
WASHINGTON - The House has voted in favor of the biggest overhaul of college aid programs since their creation in the 1960s a bill to oust private lenders from the student loan business and put the government in charge ... "What will not happen anymore is making those student loans with taxpayer subsidies," he said. (MSNBC -- Politics)
House bill would kill subsidized student loans Sep 18, 2009
Sallie Mae, the biggest student loan provider, has about 8,500 employees in the program ... "What will not happen anymore is making those student loans with taxpayer subsidies," he said. (AZCentral -- Business)
House approves Obama plan to put end to student loan subsidies Sep 18, 2009
Lawmakers earlier rejected, 265 to 165, an alternative plan by House Republicans that would have let private lenders continue marketing the student loans ... The bill is intended to protect student loans from turmoil in financial markets and end federal payments that Obama says are wasteful ... known as Sallie Mae, is the biggest US provider of student loans, followed by Inc. s and Nelnet Inc. Sallie Mae made $24. (Boston Globe)
House poised to approve plan that revamps student aid Sep 18, 2009
WASHINGTON Millions of college students could get a boost in financial aid from a House bill that would dramatically alter the student loan landscape ... "After years of explaining my approach, and years of defending direct loans from misleading attacks by the private student loan industry, we are an important step closer to settling the debate," Petri said ... "Even after this week's House vote, the legislative process has a long way to go," said Kevin Bruns, director of America's Student... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Twin majors have leapfrog careers Sep 18, 2009
Prichard-Allen said she joined because she discovered the student loan repayment program. Their mother, a single mom, had been helping them pay for college and had used some of her retirement money to do so. (Leavenworth Lamp, KS)
Another View: Solid student loan reform inches closer to passage Sep 18, 2009
According to the Congressional Budget Office, if the government directly financed all federally sponsored student loans, it would save $80 billion over 10 years. House Democrats have advanced a version of the president's plan that will probably get a vote in the House Thursday; the measure would put those savings into a range of worthy programs, from aid for community colleges to school renovation to larger Pell grants. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Feingold questions Obama 'czars' Sep 18, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009. Feingold questions Obama 'czars. (TheHill.com)
House Passes Student Loan Overhaul Sep 18, 2009
The Obama administration wants to cut out the middle man from federal student loan programs and give students the chance to borrow directly from the federal government, specifically the U.S. Treasury. That's the thrust of a bill that was approved by the House today. (ABC News)
House OKs increase in Pell Grants Sep 18, 2009
WASHINGTON --- The House voted Thursday in favor of the biggest overhaul of college aid programs since their creation in the 1960s -- a bill to oust private lenders from the student loan business and put the government in charge. The vote was 253-171 in favor of a bill that fulfills nearly all of President Obama's campaign promises for higher education: The measure ends subsidies for private lenders, boosts Pell Grants for needy students and creates a grant program to improve community colleges,... (The Augusta Chronicle)
"If the Recession Is Over for Some People, I Must Not Know Them" Sep 17, 2009
"I'll know the recession is over when [we] both have gainful employment as lawyers and are able to start paying back our gigantic student loan debt and reactivate our Netflix account." She longs to organize her movie queue. If I were moving to Alaska, I'd want to bring Netflix along, too. (Slate)
'50,000 students' in loan delays Sep 17, 2009
The Student Loans Company has struggled to cope with applications and says full payments will be made by late October ... The chief executive of the Student Loans Company, Ralph Seymour-Jackson, told the BBC everyone who had applied for loans before mid-August would have their applications processed by the time they started their courses ... This means up to 50,000 students will not receive the full amount they could expect from the Student Loans Company, although the balance would follow by mid... (BBC News -- UK)
Change? Yes, it can Sep 16, 2009
If you buy a new car from General Motors, a life insurance policy from AIG, or a student loan from Citigroup, whether you realize it or not, and depending on how the equity position was structured, you're dealing with a company either minority or majority controlled by the government. But it is when you double back to banking and finance, where the crisis began, where you see some trends definitely not going in the right direction. (Asia Times Online)
College money: Are you saving in this economy? Sep 16, 2009
We were offered about $3,000 student loans, but chose not to accept them this year ... He has taken out a student loan and we ve picked up the balance. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Government proposal aims to increase federal student aid Sep 16, 2009
The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009, which faces a House vote next week, proposes to run all new federal student loans through the Direct Loan Program starting in 2010 ... With the savings generated through the implementation of the Direct Loan Program, the bill aims to increase Pell Grant scholarship amounts, lower interest rates on need-based federal student loans, provide more access to the Perkins loan program and invest in support programs bolstering college access and... (Daily Collegian, PA)
Young adults key to financing health reform Sep 16, 2009
Fines for the uninsuredIn part, young adults are uninsured because they are less likely to work for employers who offer coverage; they may not qualify for public programs such as Medicaid; and even the skimpiest private insurance plans may be too expensive alongside hefty student loan payments and credit card debt. But some young people -- nicknamed the "young invincibles" -- are also likelier than other Americans to assume that they won't need health insurance or to decide that they'd rather... (MSNBC -- Politics)
Defendants appear in student loan case Sep 15, 2009
Defendants appear in false student loan case - Phoenix Business Journal ... Defendants appear in false student loan case ... All but one of the 65 defendants charged in a 130-count indictment from June have appeared in federal court to face charges of allegedly defrauding the U.S. government out of more than $500,000 in student loans, the U.S. Attorney s Office, District of Arizona, announced Monday. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
Student finance 'shambles' anger Sep 15, 2009
The Student Loans Company is still receiving 5,000 applications per day ... Million+ has criticised the Student Loans Company for failing to respond to the volume of applications ... Derek Ross, deputy chief executive of the Student Loans Company, has promised: "Everyone who applied on time should be paid on time.". (BBC News -- Business)
Michael Moore Economics is Driving Washington Sep 14, 2009
Location: MA Reply # 2 Date: Sep 14, 2009 - 1:10 AM EST St. Denis In Obama's Red Amerika "How do you feel about the $1tn takeover of the student loan program that Obama and the Democrats plan to ram through reconciliation soon? It is very unpopular on campus." ... If we have handouts for grizzly ole farmers then why can't the student loan process be made easier. (Townhall.com)
Letter: Working man can't help everyone Sep 14, 2009
A hard-working family has to make sacrifices to see that their children get a college education, and a lot of the graduates end up with a degree and a student loan that they will pay back. The working man can t help everyone. (Appeal Democrat, CA)
Going back to college doesn’t have to leave you broke Sep 13, 2009
Government loans It s a good time to take out a federal student loan ... As well, people who work in public service may be able to cancel remaining federal student loans after 10 years ... A tip: interest on student loans is deductible from income tax. (Boston Globe)
Sallie Mae Lending Plan May Save $13 Billion Less Than Obama's, CBO Says Sep 12, 2009
Sept. 12 (Bloomberg) -- A proposal backed by to let private lenders continue selling federal student loans may save $13 billion less than President plan to cut them out of the market, the Congressional Budget Office said ... The groups plan would let private lenders continue to market federal student loans, which they would then sell to the government ... Reston, Virginia-based Sallie Mae is the biggest U.S. provider of student loans, followed by Student Loan Corp. and Lincoln, Nebraska-based... (Bloomberg -- US)
Kiss Those Student Loans Goodbye Sep 11, 2009
There are lots of programs that help grads repay their student loans ... With looming monthly student loan payments of around $200 a month hanging over his head, the recent college graduate was starting to worry about how he'd meet his debt obligations, fearful that creditors would harass his parents who co-signed his loans if he couldn't come up with the money ... Raymar Hampshire, co-founder of a volunteer group called , presented Agyeman with a tempting offer: volunteer in the local... (BusinessWeek)
Problems hit student loans system Sep 11, 2009
The Student Loans Company is processing loans and grants ... Higher Education Minister David Lammy contacted the Student Loans Company after numerous complaints about delays ... This is the first year that student's tuition fee loans, maintenance grants and maintenance loans have been processed by one organisation - Student Finance England - run by the Student Loans Company (SLC). (BBC News -- Business)
Progreso Financiero names COO, CFO Sep 10, 2009
Prior to joining Progreso, he was CFO and treasurer for MRU Holdings, a publicly-traded student loan finance company. Most Read Stories. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
AP: Layoffs Toughest On Workers Young, Older Sep 8, 2009
Also, student loan provider Sallie Mae reported this year that seniors graduated college with an average credit card debt of more than $4,100 in 2008, up from $2,900 four years earlier. If there is a bright side for this age group, it's that they are less likely than older workers to have a family to feed or mortgage to pay. (Click2Houston, TX)
Senator wants to hear from you Sep 8, 2009
Phil wrote on Sep 5, 2009 10:31 PM:" Determine the cause of the costs. Why does it cost so much to become a doctor and maintain a practice? Student loan costs? Public funded loan programs should be free except for the cost of billing maintenance. Malpractice insurance? Tort reform. Costs of medication? Why are they so cheap when bought from Canada? Government expenditures- Fraud in the medicare system? Billing systems that the patient can't understand and verify before submitting for payment?... (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Money tips for students Sep 7, 2009
Student loans the best debt youll ever make. A huge student loan means youll be shackled with debt at the start of your career ... Subtract from this the amount that the bank will actually pay out and youre left with the genuine cost of your student loan. (iAfrica.com)
CC companies leave campuses Sep 6, 2009
In a study by Sallie Mae, the student loan organization, college students who had applied for student loans had an average of 4 ... They have so much student loan debt and a lot of students, because they can t get loans, are using credit cards to pay for tuition and books ... Walker said she has taken on student loans to attend Spelman, but no longer has any credit cards. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Cheer for Kennedy accomplishments Sep 6, 2009
He was responsible for their wife's family medical leave, for their kids getting a student loan, for their disability act, that their 18-year-old can vote, and he worked with their union leaders to get them a better salary. Or for the other 570 bills he passed to help make their life better. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
The Young Pro Sep 5, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009 2:28 PM EST. Harkins is The Citizen's innovation coordinator, an active member of the IGNITE young professionals group in Cayuga County and is always happy to hear from fellow young pros. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Student Financial Aid Requests Increase During Recession Sep 2, 2009
We are also monitoring the student loan market and developing the capability to become a direct lending institution, should that be needed to give our students continued access to affordable credit, DeGioia said in the letter. Georgetown was approved as a direct lending institution in October, and was able to start giving loans as of June 1, 2009. (The Hoya, Washington DC)
From Cell Phones To Booster Seats, New Texas Laws Take Effect Tuesday Sep 2, 2009
Defaulting on a student loan will no longer disqualify an applicant for a concealed handgun license ... HB 2730 amends numerous provisions regarding concealed handgun licenses (CHLs), including eliminating student loan defaults as a disqualifier, to clarify that DPS must suspend or revoke a license when the licensee becomes ineligible and mandating that a magistrate suspend a CHL held by the subject of an emergency protective order. (KWTX.com, TX)
What's the Best Way for a Parent to Help Pay Off Student Loans Sep 2, 2009
You may not have had the chance to find out how your father paid off your student loans, but you now have a perfect opportunity to include your daughter in your own payment decision, teaching her some financial lessons. Before we get into your payment choices, I just want to be clear that, subject to income limitations, up to $2,500 of student loan interest is tax deductible annually for (SET ITAL) the individual who is obligated to make the payments (the qualified student could be either you,... (Townhall.com)
Student Loans vs. Retirement Savings Sep 2, 2009
Should You Take Money Out of Your 401(k) or 403(b) to Pay Off Student Loans ... It may be tempting to take money out of your 401(k) or 403(b) account to pay off your student loans, but it's a bad idea ... My question before I do this is: Will it benefit me to take the $7,000 I have saved in the retirement fund and pay a student loan that I have currently in repayment. (ABC News -- Business)
Recession Education: Is College Still Worth It? Sep 1, 2009
Because she didn't qualify for financial aid, she took out student loans, graduating in 2005 with a double major in journalism and anthropology and more than $80,000 in debt ... In April, she organized an exhibition in Long Island that featured artwork by graduates who are trying to raise money to pay their student loans ... But unlike out-of-work high school graduates, many unemployed college grads face the additional burden of student loan payments. (ABC News -- Business)
$1B in Hawaii state investments tied up Aug 31, 2009
The purchase of student loan auction rate securities was allowed by state law as long as the investments were deemed AAA by financial rating agencies. State Auditor Marion Higa questions whether it was good to have had a quarter of the state's investments in auction-rate securities. (Honolulu Advertiser)