Student loan defaults up, but cause unclear

Figures released this week by the U.S. Department of Education show an increase in the student loan default rate, and Illinois numbers bear that out, too -- though the details vary among individual colleges and universities.

At the University of Illinois Springfield, the student loan default rate improved slightly. The most recent rate was 3.8 percent, compared with 3.9 percent for the prior year.

Gerard Joseph, director of financial assistance at UIS, said the school -- like many others -- tries to encourage students to borrow only what they need.

The story was featured in a September 18, 2009 article in the State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article.
20090918-SJR-Student-loan-defaults.pdf

UIS will receive portion of scholarship fund

State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias has announced that his efforts to negotiate an additional $3.5 million in scholarship funds for college students in Illinois have been a success. The money will be available beginning in the fall 2008 semester. UIS will receive $18,500 to distribute based on students' financial need.

An article in the April 29, 2008, State Journal-Register gives more details about Giannoulias' plan.

Download a pdf file of the article
20080429-sjr-ScholarshipFund.pdf