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Tougher to Get Student Loans
(Rochester, N.Y.) - The hardest part about student loans used to be paying them back. Now, the hardest part may be getting the loan.
It's one more worry high school seniors Alexander Hoffarth and Tess Gosdan didn't need.
"With the markets, it is a concern," Alexander said.
The two Fairport High School seniors hope to get scholarships and financial aid, but also counted on student loans to pay college tuition. Now they wonder if they will be able to borrow that money.
"I am worried,” Tess said. “I have this dream, and if I can't get the loan--it is ridiculous and disappointing."
Guidance Counselor John Serafine says the rules have changed when it comes to borrowing money to pay for college. "It's a different game. The economy hits them when they are trying to get student loans…I think banks are playing defense loan business."
Monroe Community College Financial Aid Director Jerome St. Croix says federal loans may be more difficult to get and private financing will cost more. "The federal loans will still be there,” he said, “with…higher interest rates."
There are still loans out there, but you may have to be more creative to find them. That means doing your homework and working with your college Financial Aid office to find the best way to pay for your education.
Counselors say now, more than ever before, high school students are considering the cost before they choose the college--more are choosing two-year or state schools for affordability.
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