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Opinion
 

Staff Editorial

                        Robyn Morrow             Chris Elliott                        Mark Suarez
                                               John Arterbury       Caitlin Cuppernull

We'll take any help we can get

The House of Representatives passed a bill 356 to 71 Jan. 17 that will lower interest rates on subsidized Stafford loans to college students, the New York Times reported. The College Student Relief Act will cut the current interest rate of 6.8 percent in half, lowering it in stages to 3.4 percent by 2012, when it expires. 

In a statement issued before the vote, the White House opposed the bill and said that the act will only help former graduates in repaying their loans but will not improve students' ability to attend college. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group, however, has found that the bill could save college students beginning their education next year around $2,300 in interest over a 15-year loan period.

While the White House may not feel this number is significant enough to assist prospective students, it is significant to those currently enrolled. Opposing a bill because it appears to favor current or former students more than future ones is unfair. 

The argument that the bill only aids graduates leaves out the fact that those graduates were once struggling college students as well. Not only that, but the bill does have the potential to help future students.

Many people cannot afford tuition, so they turn to student loans. High interest rates may not allow them to afford repayment of these loans. Saving $2,300 would help, even if only in a small way. 

In the same statement, the White House said more grant aid should be given to lower-income students. Perhaps the White House should consider supporting both ideas, helping various types of students. Though some may be more in need than others, any assistance in furthering education -- for anyone -- is a good thing and deserves the endorsement of the White House.