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College aid from the state and federal governments is not affected by the recession, but that money traditionally does not cover all higher education costs, which is why the NY agency that administers aid is lobbying for more help.  John Austin, with HESC (Higher Education Services Corporation) says there's a plan before the legislature to guarantee lower interest rates for private loans to cover college expenses.  As part of the program, student applicants would also be required to complete ongoing online financial literacy 'courses', with the expectation that they'll be more savvy when they apply for mortgages or car loans or other financial services.  You can read more at https://www.tapweb.org

 

On Saturday, February 21  there's help in completing FAFSAs and other financial need information at area SUNY schools, including ESF, Cortland, Oswego and OCC.  Check

www.suny.edu/student/event_listing/event_detail     for more information.

 

Other helpful websites:

FAFSA    (the Federal financial aid clearinghouse)  www.fafsa.ed.gov

Fastweb  (free scholarship search information)  www.fastweb.org