Volume 124 Issue 48
kansan.com
Friday, October 28, 2011
DAVID SCOTT
dmscott@kansan.com
The White House announced Tuesday that the administration will take steps to increase college affordability by making it easier to manage student loan debt.
Through an executive order, President Obama will move forward with his "Pay as You Earn" proposal that will help reduce monthly student loan payments. By 2014, borrowers will be able cap their payments at 10 percent of their discretionary funds and consolidate their loans, which will reduce interest rates.
Obama's proposal will allow more than 1.5 million students to take advantage of the cap and six million students the ability to consolidate their loans in 2012.
"In a global economy, putting a college education within reach for every American has never been more important," President Obama said at the plan's announcement in Denver. "But it's also never been more expensive."
Molly Iler, a senior in English from Summit, N.J., is a bit skeptical about the feasibility of the idea. She wonders if the program can keep interest rates down while borrowers pay less. But she holds out hope that the president's proposal will help fellow students.
"It's unfortunate that financial setbacks can prevent students from pursuing their true dreams," Iler said. "They have to get a job that they know will help them pay back their loans."
Jill Jess, director for news and media at KU University Relations.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH AND PLANNING
said capping the monthly payment allows former students in repayment to better manage their finances if they are in low-income
positions. The consolidation of the Direct Loan program and
SEE LOANS ON PAGE 3
necessarily.
The fu shot also assists with students' education.
"We are hopefully preventing missing classes," said Ken Sarber, public health educator for the University.
Students have the option of immunization through a shot or nasal mist, which cost $15 and $20, respectively. Jacque Bagwell, a nurse giving vaccines for the clinic, sees the benefit of her work.
"It's important for your health and the health of those around you." Bagwell said.
The vaccination via shot consists of three inactive, non-live flu viruses that are expected to be most common this flu season out of the 200 flu strains in circulation. The flus must consist
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Index
Wenger even considers opening his own flu clinic someday after he graduates. While there are concerns that immunizations might eventually be ineffective because of their widespread use, Wenger's confident that the vaccines will continue to help flu prevention without any long-term consequences.
As for Bissell's unexpected flu vaccination, she feels positive about her experience.
CLASSIFIEDS 9
CROSSWORD 4
"I would highly suggest it. It's a really fast process," said Bissell. "I was in and out within five minutes between my classes."
Edited by Sarah Champ
CRYPTOQUIPS 4
OPINION 5
SPORTS 10
SUDOKU 4
All contents, unless stated otherwise, © 2011 The University Daily Kansan
Don't forget
Have fun and stay safe over the Halloween weekend.
Today's Weather
HI: 60
LO: 29
Too
Forecasts done by University students. For a more detailed forecast see page 2A
15.
15
Sunny day and a chilly m.
北