Student debt

On behalf of more than 7,000 students I represent at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, I would like to thank U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews, D-Haddon Heights, for voting for H.R. 5, the College Student Relief Act of 2007. Deep student debt squeezes graduates out of public interest careers and deters those eligible for college from pursuing a degree. At Stockton, 64 percent of the student body carries loan debt. On average, it is $15,875, according to The Institute for College Access and Success. The House of Representatives passed an interest rate cut that will save students going to Stockton $2,330 starting in 2007 who take out loans and $4,510 for students in 2011 over the life of their loan. Andrews should be commended for voting to make college more affordable in Pomona and throughout the nation. Andrew Klimkowski, Student Trustee Board of Trustees, Richard Stockton College, Pomona - Courier Post, February 5, 2007