"Around 2015, when it was time for Kimara Shields’ daughter Ashante to decide what to do after high school, Shields didn’t hesitate: The teenager, she was sure, would go to college, especially considering a degree would be essential to her plans to become a teacher. Her daughter had always wanted to attend college, too," USA Today reports.

..."Karen McCarthy of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators acknowledged that colleges have, at least historically, not done enough to clarify with families what’s distinct about parent PLUS. But the problems also lie in the program’s design, she said – the different credit criteria and reduced protections – and in both rising attendance costs and stagnating aid. 

A college cost transparency initiative launched this fall and spearheaded by groups including NASFAA and the American Council on Education (ACE) calls on colleges to, among other commitments, list parent PLUS separately from other student loan options in financial aid letters. Colleges that participate in the initiative are also prohibited from suggesting borrowers take out a certain dollar amount in such loans."

NASFAA's "Notable Headlines" section highlights media coverage of financial aid to help members stay up to date with the latest news. Articles included under the notable headlines section are not written by NASFAA, but rather by external sources. Inclusion in Today's News does not imply endorsement of the material or guarantee the accuracy of information presented.

Publication Date: 12/3/2023