Students' plan to lose debt: just work

By Laban Pelz

The Collegian

Fresno State students, already swamped in debt, can expect more with the recent Congressional cut to student aid.

On Nov. 17 the House of Representatives voted 217-215 to trim more than $14 billion from funding for student loans.

The State Public Interest Research Groups estimate the average student incurs more than $17,000 in debt while in college, and the cut could increase that amount by nearly $6,000.

Fresno State students said the only thing to do is work off the debt once they graduate.

Junior chemistry major Elizabeth Meaza said she has accumulated $20,000 in debt so far.

“I’ll just have to work and pay it off,” she said, adding the government needs to work on better representing students.

Senior industrial technology major Terry Foster said he had hoped to qualify for a program where if he taught in a certain area of the country after graduation, his debt would be lessened. But he said he won’t qualify.

Asked if he felt represented by the government, Foster said, “Of course not. I don’t think they’re in touch with how much it actually costs to live as a student.”

Junior criminology major Cristal Solorio said besides working she can also lose her $9,000 in debt by applying for a Pell Grant or putting time in at the Sheriff’s Academy.

“I’m responsible, so I’m not going to put myself in more debt than I need,” she said.

Solorio, who is from Mexico, said the government is doing a satisfactory job keeping college costs low, but said such an opinion depends on one’s perspective.

“I can’t complain,” she said. “It would be harder for me there, and a person from Europe would complain if they came here.”

Solorio also said she has spent time in Florida, and said treatment of her financial needs has been much better at Fresno State.

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