On Tuesday, March 31, the New America Foundation’s Education Policy Program hosted “The Future of Federal Student Loans” This event featured representatives from the Obama administration, the student loan community, and New America’s Education Policy Program to discuss the pros and cons of the President’s proposal to stop guaranteeing federal student loans and to instead make the loans directly. On Feb. 26, the Obama Administration laid out a bold plan to expand financial aid, paid for in part by ending the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program and instead contracting with companies to service loans. This proposal is controversial in the lending community, the higher education community, and on Capitol Hill. For more information, full video and a transcript of the event visit: www.newamerica.net

Consolidation of student loans is something that almost every student can do after they graduate. Find out how to make one payment on multiple student loans, and how to make the terms longer, with help from a financial aid officer in this free video on student loans. Expert: Brooke Kramer Contact: www.argosy.edu Bio: Brooke Kramer is the financial aid officer at Argosy University in Salt Lake City, Utah. Filmmaker: Michael Burton

Student loan consolidation is a great way to get a lower interest rate, as a reputable consolidation company will buy each loan off of the original lenders, lump it into one loan and offer lower interest and even deferment plans. Consolidate student loans to get them paid off more quickly with financial advice from a guidance counselor in this free video on student loans. Expert: Cheri Ashwood Contact: www.wearehdtv.com Bio: Cheri Ashwood has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and education, and has been a guidance counselor for nearly a decade. Filmmaker: Christopher Rokosz

Salie Mae CFO Jack Remondi argues the health-care bill will cause thousands of job losses throughout the student loan industry.

Default: The Student Loan Documentary is a feature-length documentary chronicling the stories of borrowers from different backgrounds affected by the private student lending industry and their struggles to change the system. In 2005 private student loans were exempted of ALL consumer protections. No matter when their loans were taken, many borrowers now find themselves in a paralyzing predicament of repaying two, three or multiple times the original amount borrowed, with no bankruptcy protection, no cap on fees and penalties and no recourse to the law. The consequences are dire, with stories of borrowers in financial and emotional ruin. www.defaultmovie.com A film by Serge Bakalian and Aurora Meneghello