, Columnist
The College Talk More Parents Need to Have With Their Kids
With the Department of Education at risk, there is too much uncertainty right now for families to rely on federal loans.
Graduating as close to debt-free as possible is the goal.
Photographer: Robyn Beck/AFPThis article is for subscribers only.
What is the US without its federal Department of Education? The potential answers worry parents, educators, students and policy experts after President Donald Trump’s executive order to shut down the agency.
The intended — and unintended — consequences of the order will be felt for generations. High on the list of effects, because of the department’s role as the lender of federal student loans, should be a wariness about trusting the benefits available to borrowers.