A large number of historically Black colleges and universities have seen a significant drop in enrollments because many students and their families have been unable to secure PLUS loans from the federal government. Two years ago, the U.S. Department of Education established a new rule that a family with debt delinquencies of 90 days or more could not be considered for the PLUS loan program. With this source of funding taken away from many families, many students could not obtain the funds necessary to pay their college bills.
In a statement, Marcia Fudge, chair of Congressional Black Caucus, said, “Actions taken by the Department of Education have disproportionately and adversely impacted students across this nation, in particular, more than 28,000 HBCU students. It’s time to stop the bleeding.”
Now the Education Department has announced that families with small amounts of debt greater than 90 days may appeal and become eligible for PLUS loans.
Same song different key. So we loaned money to people who could not pay (housing crisis) and the entire economy crashed. Now we want to again loan money to people who cannot or will not pay. I sympathize with the student, but I have no confidence in HBCU’s dismal graduation rates and predatory pseudo-education. With the exception of a credible few, billions are spent on “edutainment” and not academic excellence. Many HBCU’s exist solely for the benefit of the faculty and administration who make handsome sums and secure comfortable retirement. The students, however, leave the institutions with fond memories, no degrees and staggering debt. And you say that its unfair to “unfund” this madness? Next…
Thanks, you have given me,(us),something to think about. Our son is at Morehouse, (starting his second year), and we will be paying off this plus loan for a long time!