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Current Issue: Volume 130, Number 1 July 14, 2009
Ed/Op


Staff Editorial
Funding should not be cut from financial aid

Posted 11-10-2005 at 2:17PM

Congress is currently deliberating bills that could make significant changes to the federal government’s financial aid programs. While some of the changes in the bills will have positive effects, others make significant cuts to student financial aid that could have a detrimental effect on many college students both at RPI and across the country. We hope that Congress will reverse course on these cuts before they are made into law, and in the meantime, we encourage everyone to monitor the progress of the bills and to make their voice heard to their Congressional representatives.

The bills include both reconciliation bills and a reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The reconciliation bills seek to reduce funds to different parts of the federal budget, such as higher education, to allow for spending in other areas. While it is very important to ensure that the government is able to rebalance its funds—in order to aid those affected by the hurricanes, among other priorities—funding should not be cut for standing student financial aid programs. Removing support for the nation’s students should not be taken lightly and should only be used as an absolute last option.

Some sources predict that changes in the federal loan programs could cost a student an additional $6,000 over the course of repayment, and the changes to loan programs are not the only ones that could adversely affect students. While RPI students do not typically focus on the proceedings of our national government, this is definitely one issue in which many students have a personal interest, as 85 percent of the student body receives some form of federal financial aid. We urge you to make your voice heard to your representatives in Congress about any changes that could occur to financial aid. To reach the Congressional switch board via a toll free number, call 1-800-574-4AID.



Posted 11-10-2005 at 2:17PM
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