Over the last two decades, government grants for college have been increasingly replaced by loans. While a big boon to banks and lenders, the privatization of student aid has put those wanting to go to college in an increasingly precarious position.

And that situation has just gotten worse, as the housing credit crisis causes lenders to back away from student loans, Stateline.org reports:

An increasing number of banks, private lenders and state agencies are dropping their student loan programs, forcing students to scramble for new sources of money. While some experts say students should be able to easily find new lenders, students who switch could end up with higher interest rates and fewer benefits, such as paid upfront loan fees, as the financial market tightens.

It's not just private lenders; state agencies are backing off as well:

Just last week, Kentucky announced that unless more money becomes available, it will not accept loan applications from new students after May 1, closing the door on 27,500 potential borrowers.

Students needing help will be able to find lenders to loan them money -- but likely at exorbitant rates and on terms that could keep students mired in debt, effectively creating a new subprime market of students in debt:

While some experts say students should be able to easily find new lenders, students who switch could end up with higher interest rates and fewer benefits, such as paid upfront loan fees, as the financial market tightens.

For more information on the issue, see the Project on Student Debt.

Labels: credit crisis, economics, higher education, students

There have been reports of rogue political operatives attempting to disrupt student voter registration drives by spreading false information. Students should not let anyone tell them it is illegal to register in the state where they attend school, or that they must be a "permanent" resident, or (in most states) that they must have lived in the state for a certain period of time before they can vote.

In general, a student who declares themselves a resident of the state in which they are attending school can register with the election commission in their county of residence. Registration deadlines vary by state, and some states have minimum length of residency requirements that generally correspond to the registration deadline with a few exceptions.

Students should consider registering in person at their county election commission office so election officials can answer any questions and issue a voter registration card. This will help avoid confusion and delays on election day. Some states require proof of residency such as a student ID, utility bill, etc., and some states require photo ID or other official government issued forms of ID. Students should check with county or state election officials to find out what kind of ID they should bring.

States allow students or anyone else to register by mail, but require voting in person the first time (i.e. not by absentee/mail-in) and additional proof of identity.

Students of course have the option to vote in their home state by absentee ballot.

Registering to vote in one state invalidates voter registration in any other state. If a student is planning to go home for the summer and does not know what their address will be in the fall, they can register now at their current address and then file a change of address form as soon they know their new address in the fall.

In general, anyone who is a resident of the state and is 18 or will be 18 on election day and is not a convicted felon and has not been declared mentally incompetent is eligible to vote in that state. Following are links to election division web pages with more detailed voter registration requirements and links to online forms.

• Alabama: Deadline: 10 days prior to an election. Registration form

• Arkansas: Deadline: 30 days prior to an election (resident for 31 days prior to election). Registration form

• Florida: Deadline: 29 days prior to an election. Registration form

• Georgia: Deadline: 30 days prior to an election. Registration form

• Kentucky: Deadline: 29 days prior to an election. Registration form

• Louisiana: Deadline: 30 days prior to an election. Registration form

• Mississippi: Deadline: 30 days prior to an election. Registration form

• North Carolina: Deadline: 25 days prior to election (resident for 30 days prior to election). Registration form

• South Carolina: Deadline: 30 days prior to an election. Registration form

• Tennessee: Deadline: 30 days prior to an election. Registration form

• Texas: Deadline: 30 days prior to an election. Registration form

• Virginia: Deadline: 29 days prior to an election (shorter deadlines for special elections). Registration form

• West Virginia: Deadline: 21 days prior to an election. Registration form

DISCLAIMER: I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. Check with the
local election commission or state election officials for specifics.

Labels: Election 2008, election law, students, voter registration