Got Tuition Teleconference

On Tuesday, October 21st, got tuition held a teleconference for reporters who are interested in our campaign.  Kim Anderson of got tuition, Bob Brandon of the Campaign for College Affordability, Andrew Myers of Myers Research and Strategic Services, and Ash McDaniels, a student at George Washington University were available to talk about our campaign, share their stories, and answer questions.  An mp3 of the teleconference is available below, as well as the press release for the event.  To save the mp3 file to your computer, please right-click and select "save target as".

got tuition teleconference.mp3

Wall Street, skyrocketing tuition and massive student loan debt
fuel need for more financial aid options

WASHINGTON—Ash McDaniel needed just a small loan to continue her education at George Washington University—one of the country’s most expensive institutions of higher learning. The university gave her a financial aid package of $46,000 in grants and loans, and all she needed was a private loan for $7,000. However, the bank rejected her application for a loan. She applied again but this time with a cosigner—who has good credit—her mother.  Once again, denied. McDaniel said the bank told them due to the crisis on Wall Street, many private lenders—approximately 1,500 companies—that loaned money to students last year are no longer doing so.

Reporters are invited to discuss the impact the crisis on Wall Street is having on college affordability during a teleconference Tuesday, October 21, 2008. The teleconference will also cover a new poll that shows making college affordable to those who want to attend is a powerful economic concern for parents and students this election year. The call will feature Kim Anderson of “Got Tuition?,” Bob Brandon of the Campaign for College Affordability, Andrew Myers of Myers Research and Strategic Services, and Ash McDaniel, a college sophomore at George Washington University.

“Got Tuition?” (www.gottuition.org) is a national, nonpartisan campaign about college affordability and the long-term effects of student loan debt. The campaign’s goal is to give students, parents and educators a voice that will have an impact on policymakers across the country.

WHO:       Kim Anderson, “Got Tuition?”
                Bob Brandon, Campaign for College Affordability
                Andrew Myers, Myers Research and Strategic Services
                Ash McDaniel, George Washington University student

WHAT:    Teleconference on the issues shaping the college affordability debate