AMERICUS - The election of the country's first black president could boost college enrollment among minorities and low-income potential students who find rising tuition to be a barrier in reaching for higher education.

Between President Barack Obama's recently unveiled budget proposal and the Feb. 17 economic stimulus act, Georgia students may have better access and more options to funding geared towards making college more affordable.

"Statistics have shown that anytime we have slowing economy, enrollment in higher education institutions increases. I hope that the stimulus package puts people to work," said Ante Williams, senior regional representative of Georgia Student Finance Commission.

According to a USA Today article, the commander in chief wants to increase the discretionary budget for the U.S. Education Department to $46.7 billion, a 12.8%, rise. Obama will save $4 billion a year by ending a long-standing government-subsidized college loan program, in the process beefing up a direct loan program created by President Clinton in 1993 that would make the federal government the only source of federally supported college loans.

Part of Obama's plan would increase the maximum Pell Grant for low-income college students to $5,550, while linking regular grant increases for students to inflation. Williams called the increase "excellent."

" With higher education costs consistently on the rise, I don't think that we will ever get to the point where we won't ever need student loans," Williams said. "I do think that over time we will see the student loan debt ratio decrease if more grant programs and funding become available as well as if student loan rates and benefits remain competitive."

Williams added getting more Pell Grants and taking out fewer loans is a huge benefit for students trying to avoid debt.

"Absolutely, anytime a student can avoid loans then they should," he said.

For those that enrolled in public colleges and universities in Georgia prior to fall 2006, their tuition rate this year is approximately $1400. Even with Obama's plan to increase direct aid to students, Williams said it's too early to tell if the state will allocate the stimulus money in a way that will allow universities to freeze tuition.

"However, student's who plan to attend public colleges and universities in Georgia can take advantage of the HOPE scholarship and grant programs," he said. "Currently, these programs cover the entire tuition portion of the cost at these institutions regardless of the tuition increases."

Williams' office deals with loans, grants and monies that can reduce tuition and student debt. He added that statistics often prove that when times of economic stress, higher education enrollment goes up.

"So I am very excited that the federal government has taken steps to further assist students and families with the cost of pursuing the cost of higher education," Williams said.
However, potential students still need to explore all options in there reach for a higher education. Williams said what he has often advised a student is that they should always be open to alternative education plans if financing is an overwhelming concern.

"Perhaps starting at a less expensive two-year or technical school and transferring to a four year institution to finish may be a better alternative than jumping directly into a usually more expensive four year school," he said.

Below, Williams took a few minutes to talk to the Americus-Sumter Observer about money and college.

Q Does Georgia's public universities use the direct student loan program?
A Currently, there is an equal use of both programs across the state. With recent developments in the economy there has been more talk about more schools going to the Direct Loan program.
Q Has the deadline to file for financial aid past?
A No, the FAFSA (federal aid application) is available each year from July 1 to June 30 of the next year. I would advise anyone planning to apply to check with the financial aid office at the school of their choice. Schools have their own internal deadlines that must be met by students planning to receive aid at that school.
Q For a student who knows he needs money for school, when, where, and how should he be looking for assistance, whether its aid, grants or loans?
A To start, I would advise anyone that is looking for assistance to start with the FAFSA application. Financial aid offices use this application to evaluate students for more than just federal aid. It is often used for some state aid programs, as well as scholarships that schools may offer as well. Also, start looking for various scholarships online and in your local community.
For those that enrolled after the fall 2006 semester, they may be eligible for other tuition rates. Student's can find out more information on the University System of GA website at www.usg.edu.