Secretary Duncan travelled to the Minneapolis area last Friday to host two town hall meetings with teachers, parents, students, and national, state and local leaders. Arne started the day speaking with students at South High School in Minneapolis about the importance of higher education and college affordability. “College isn’t just for the rich or someone else,” he said. “We need to raise expectations so all students know college is within their reach.”
The Obama Administration has taken extraordinary steps to make it easier for students to get financial aid and understand the true cost of college, including:
- The biggest investment in college since the G.I. Bill
- $40 billion for Pell Grants
- Simplifying the FAFSA
- “Pay as you Earn” income-based repayment
- “Know Before You Owe” financial aid shopping sheet
Duncan also announced the launch of the @FAFSA Twitter account, and explained how important it is that students fill out the FAFSA. For many students who think that higher education is out of reach, the FAFSA will explain many of available aid and loans that can help a student pay for college.
Click here to get started on the 2012 FAFSA.