U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. will speak with college reporters about the Obama Administration’s efforts to support students on their path to graduation during a press call on Friday, March 18. King will discuss various repayment options that allow students to pursue their chosen careers while successfully managing federal loan repayment. Ajita Talwalker Menon, senior policy advisor for Higher Education at the White House Domestic Policy Council, will join King on the call.
The call is one of seven events during the Department’s College Opportunity Across America Tour. Throughout the tour, King will hear stories from students and campus leaders about innovative strategies that increase access, affordability and positive outcomes for all students. King’s tour stops begin on Wednesday, March 16, with visits to Huntsville, Alabama, and Atlanta, and will continue with stops in San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
Over the past seven years, the Administration has reformed our loan system to improve college affordability; increased Pell funding for students with the greatest need; simplified the process for applying for financial aid; developed income based repayment plans to help students manage their loans; and increased transparency around higher education costs and outcomes to better inform students’ decisions. These actions represent the Administration’s longstanding priority to protect students, families and taxpayers while advancing expanded access, affordability and completion.
King will take questions from college reporters during the call.