Approximately 250 people tuned in to a live web roundtable conducted Wednesday April 9 by Financial Aid Podcast, a publication of the Student Loan Network. More than 1,400 questions had been submitted in advance for the five members of the panel. Most of the 1,400 questions were not answered in the hour-long event – but good conversation ensued.
“It’s so difficult to get your point across in the mainstream media with a five second sound bite. Long discussions like this help people fill in the blanks where mainstream media leave off," says Christopher Penn, producer of Financial Aid Podcast.
Here are some excerpts from the discussion
No one wants to see a disruption in federal student loans. On that end, we’re seeing a lot of activity. If disruptions were to occur there would be plenty of backstops in place to make sure students can have an uninterrupted supply of loans.
Justin Draeger, Assistant Director for Communications, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
The federal student loan program remains sound. There still are 2,000 lenders in the program. While you may not be able to stay with your original lender, you still have a lot of choices out there.
Shelley Saunders, Vice President, American Student Assistance
The student loan crisis has really given financial aid officers the opportunity to do more outreach.
Susan Mead, Director Of Financial Aid, Dutchess Community College-SUNY
Federal aid is not at this point in jeopardy, and it’s highly unlikely that it ever will be.
Gail Holt, Senior Associate Director, Student Financial Services, Mount Holyoke College
Students should not be deterred by a receding U.S economy about their ability to go to college.
Justin Draeger, Assistant Director for Communications, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
It’s our job as FAAs to present information to parents and students, try to calm them down and let them know that a college education is still out there and affordable. They might just need to be a little more creative.
Susan Mead, Director Of Financial Aid, Dutchess Community College-SUNY