Student Loan Indebtness Statement

[BCoffClone125]

Any other students get an email this morning from the Office of Student Financial Aid? They've added a new feature onto AccessPlus that shows the ammount of loans you've taken out, minimum payment options for how many months, etc. Also makes it much easier to increase or decrease student loans through AccessPlus. I think this is great, but will also be a much needed wake up call for some students. I never thought I would fall into the trap of not knowing how much student loan debt I had, but I had severely underestimated what I actually owe (when you factor in interest, etc). I really hope that going forward this helps increase awareness of student debt at ISU as we are one of the worst in the country IIRC. Do you guys think this increased awareness will be effective at stopping the problem or is it rooted deeper than this?

 

[Cyclonepride]

I think the key is estimating that kind of thing for prospective students, so that they can assess their career path and educational options alongside the costs involved.

It certainly helps those who are already there to know where they stand as well.

 

[IcSyU]

Problem is rooted MUCH deeper. Student loans are far too easy to get and too many students are stupid enough to think they're "free" money.

 

[Cyclonepride]

Problem is rooted MUCH deeper. Student loans are far too easy to get and too many students are stupid enough to think they're "free" money.

I do agree that the choice of career should be weighed (by the lender) as to the likelihood that that career path will allow the borrower to pay the money back. Fat chance of that happening with the government heavily involved.

 

[Clonehomer]

I think this is a great step forward. When I graduated I was pretty frustrated trying to find where to locate the balences of my loans. To see those all in one place helps understand where you are at and what to expect six months after graduatio ln (if they still get that defference).

 

[BCoffClone125]

I agree career path should be taking into consideration, but I'm also wondering if ISU doesn't do an effective job of showing students scholarship opportunities. I feel like that is one of my biggest regrets, not applying for more scholarships through ISU, but I feel like I was never told of the resources available for searching and applying for these scholarships coming into ISU. I feel like other schools (U of Iowa for example) do a much better job of this, especially for out of state students.

 

[IcSyU]

I got multiple e-mails each year telling me available scholarship opportunities...

With few exceptions, most students on campus should have a part time job to help with not having to take ridiculous amounts of student loans.

 

[JP4CY]

Problem is rooted MUCH deeper. Student loans are far too easy to get and too many students are stupid enough to think they're "free" money.

When i was in college, the "thing to do" for a lot of guys, was to buy a crotch rocket with a student loan.

 

[redrocker]

When i was in college, the "thing to do" for a lot of guys, was to buy a crotch rocket with a student loan.

I went on a cruise with mine.

 

[2ndCyCE]

I agree career path should be taking into consideration, but I'm also wondering if ISU doesn't do an effective job of showing students scholarship opportunities. I feel like that is one of my biggest regrets, not applying for more scholarships through ISU, but I feel like I was never told of the resources available for searching and applying for these scholarships coming into ISU. I feel like other schools (U of Iowa for example) do a much better job of this, especially for out of state students.

I applied for the departmental scholarships for the first few semesters until I found out that they always went to the same select group of students every semester. After that, I didn't waste my time anymore.

Now, when the foundation or department call/email and ask me for money, I tell them my money goes to the Athletic Department. At least I feel like I get something back for that. Why would I give my money to go to scholarships when I feel like I never benefited from that while I was at ISU?