Browse Ideas with tag 'loans':

• Recent Ideas (4)
• Popular Ideas (4)
• Hot Ideas (0)

• I agree

  Voting is Disabled

  2 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  Affordability/Financial Aid »

  Financial Aid DRGs

  Why is our precious financial aid money going to proprietary, for-profit “schools”? There is unequivocal proof that these vocational programs typically cost four (4) times what a community college costs for the same program; additionally, the community college programs are inevitably superior. Research shows that students who take loans to attend such “strip-mall universities” are much more likely to default on those ...more »

  Why is our precious financial aid money going to proprietary, for-profit “schools”? There is unequivocal proof that these vocational programs typically cost four (4) times what a community college costs for the same program; additionally, the community college programs are inevitably superior. Research shows that students who take loans to attend such “strip-mall universities” are much more likely to default on those loans.

  I concede that there are a few proprietary institutions that are strong academic advocates, these few have my respect; it is their lackluster brethren that give them all a bad name. I am glad we live in a free society; I would therefore not suggest taking away a student’s option of attending the program of their choice. I DO however, propose that financial aid be doled out on a DRG type system.

  For example, students matriculating into my program can complete EVERYTHING – tuition, fees, books, health insurance, uniforms (I even counted shoes), and credentialing examinations post graduation, etc. – for a maximum of $15,000 (this is a 91 credit accredited AAS degree). The local proprietary organizations cost $48,000 for the same program and students are still left to pay several thousand dollars worth of things that I counted in my maximum cost; their total is closer to $55,000 in the end. The student could have attended Harvard for that price!

  If the DOE limited the maximum amount of financial aid a student could receive to the average cost for that program, a student could wisely choose: a nearly free high-quality community college education, or a partially paid for, yet faster degree from somewhere else. The DOE would not be posting the financial losses felt from as many defaulted student loans, community colleges get a bump in enrollment, and students have a fair choice in educational options. The vultures in the educational business would find a different group to prey on; the good proprietary schools would find a way to make the regulations work as they would have the students’ best interest at heart anyway.

  « less full details »

  Add your comment for Idea: Financial Aid DRGs

  Submitted by tracy.sherman 2 years ago

• I agree

  Voting is Disabled

  2 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  Affordability/Financial Aid »

  FASFA Prejudice: Opposes America's Best Interest

  Without the provision of both practical and financial support (housing, food, medical, communication tools, transportation & school needs), even a community college education remains a nearly impossible consideration for many bright, hard-working people. I am especially frustrated that financial aid, including the interest rate for student loans (!) is based on the wage-earner’s previous year's tax returns! First of all, ...more »

  Without the provision of both practical and financial support (housing, food, medical, communication tools, transportation & school needs), even a community college education remains a nearly impossible consideration for many bright, hard-working people. I am especially frustrated that financial aid, including the interest rate for student loans (!) is based on the wage-earner’s previous year's tax returns! First of all, by the time students fill out the FASFA, the family wage-earner(s) may be in bankruptcy, foreclosure, have expensive medical issues, or an extensive family for which they provide. Secondly, the FASFA equation has no relationship to the reality of the student's life. The format avoids allowance for any special considerations by providing no method to address them. As a nation, we should do everything possible, everything feasible to ENABLE honest, hard-working, academically strong students--especially those with a clean record--to have absolutely EQUAL financial opportunities for a college education. My four children are at a great disadvantage for the some of the very reasons I provided; to the extent that one, who survived childhood cancer twice, has had to work them self beyond what was healthy just to pay for tuition and books at a community college. As a veteran, I can't even qualify for low interest loans because of my spouse's income--in spite of financial catastrophe brought on by medical misdiagnosis. Everyone has a story. Some people have experienced separations or family break-ups that changed their financial state, some are taking on the courageous responsibility of caring for disabled loved ones or home schooling special needs kids. None of these factors are included in the FASFA equation. Our country should encourage selflessness rather than penalize it, but no extenuating circumstances are allowed in the FASFA to afford ACCESS to resources! Please help all of us with similar situations by scrapping the flawed concepts behind the facade of the FASFA. All of America loses when smart people are precluded from the opportunity to learn and serve their neighbors because of the antiquated, prejudiced, financial bias of the FASFA.

  « less full details »

  2 comments for Idea: FASFA Prejudice: Opposes America's Best Interest

  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

• I agree

  Voting is Disabled

  31 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  Pathway to a Baccalaureate »

  Grant Money for Single Persons

  Dear Dr. Biden, Education Secretary, Arne Duncan and White House Officials Hope this reaches you in high spirits. My ultimate objective: Creating a non-profit organization that offers grants and aid to promising individuals like me who earn an income that is above poverty level but not enough to finance a college education. I am asking Dr. Biden who is the spearhead of this summit for guidance and assistance with ...more »

  Dear Dr. Biden, Education Secretary, Arne Duncan and White House Officials

  Hope this reaches you in high spirits.

  My ultimate objective: Creating a non-profit organization that offers grants and aid to promising individuals like me who earn an income that is above poverty level but not enough to finance a college education. I am asking Dr. Biden who is the spearhead of this summit for guidance and assistance with continuing my college education as well as that of others who fit this profile.

  I am a single, financially independent woman. My short-term goal is to graduate with highest honors receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications with a focus on French. I am having a difficult time finding financial resources to fund my college education. Although I am ineligible for the PELL Grant because of my income, I am being unduly challenged because I do not have any children or make below the poverty level income requirements. Currently, I only qualify for student loans. How can one factor in a college education making $25,000 yearly? This has not kept me from pursuing my goals. I am tremendously grateful for two scholarships provided by Oakland Community College which have helped defray costs significantly.

  At Oakland Community College, I have maintained a 3.96 GPA while working full-time, attending school part-time and tutoring part-time. Tuition at the school is now $66.70 per credit hour. This is an 11% increase in tuition rates. I am managing about 6-8 credit hours a semester; however, I wish I could maintain a full academic load, but I must also earn an income.

  I constantly see online advertisements touting, "Single Mom's Go To School for Free." I wish our government would announce, "Single persons, with no children--Free Education!" It is very difficult to do well in school when I have to worry each semester how tuition, books and transportation are going to be covered. As you can see, repaying loans, limited income potential, lack of grants and my single-person status are keeping me from realizing my academic goals.

  Please send me some information on how I can participate at the Summit on Community Colleges on October 5th at The White House. Dr. Biden, I very much look forward to your response, and I thank you for your attention to this issue that affects so many people like me.

  Respectfully,

  Diamond L. Johnson

  French Tutor/Student Ambassador

  Oakland Community College

  Orchard Ridge Campus

  Academic Support Center

  27055 Orchard Lake Road

  Farmington Hills, MI 48334

  248-522-3435

  « less full details »

  5 comments for Idea: Grant Money for Single Persons

  Submitted by Community Member 2 years ago

• I agree

  Voting is Disabled

  4 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  Affordability/Financial Aid »

  Going bach to College

  In 2001 I returned from Florida with no job and very little resources. I applied at Ivy Tech and based on my income FAFSA determined that was eligible for a Pell grant. For 2 years I received assistance and was on my way to an IT degree. The money I made at my now part time job got me by however it would not have afforded me college. I began to earn more, still under the poverty line but I became ineligible for Pell ...more »

  In 2001 I returned from Florida with no job and very little resources. I applied at Ivy Tech and based on my income FAFSA determined that was eligible for a Pell grant. For 2 years I received assistance and was on my way to an IT degree. The money I made at my now part time job got me by however it would not have afforded me college. I began to earn more, still under the poverty line but I became ineligible for Pell grants. I can afford to live, make rent, car payments, utility payments, health insurance and staying in college was not an option. I am surprised that there was no other option. I was not counseled as what could be the next step once FAFSA decides you earn too much. All I received was a notice that there was nothing available. Our Governor, Mitch Daniels, is touting a online college he recommends, WGU. They want $6,000.00. I don't have six thousand dollars. I am 55 years old. What would you do?

  « less full details »

  5 comments for Idea: Going bach to College

  Submitted by jlenken 2 years ago

Displaying all 4 Ideas