Senator Lavalle Discusses Higher Education Loan Program (Help)

As college costs continue to climb, Senator Kenneth P. LaValle would like to make the public aware that HELP (Higher Education Loan Program) may be just around the corner.  The program is a state-sponsored private student loan program that was introduced in the middle of the 2009-10 college year.  It offers low-cost, fixed-rate loans that allow students to gain a better sense of their education finances.

“The New York HELP is new to the list of financial aid programs students may be eligible to take advantage of,” said Senator LaValle.  “It is offered through the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) and is available to students from New York who attend a participating college in the state and still need help after applying for and receiving all other free and low-cost federal and state aid.”

HELP loans bridge the gap after federal grants, state programs, institutional aid, and federal loans have been received and a student still needs money for college.  Students who are eligible for HELP loans should give this option consideration before alternative loans since most private education loans have variable rates.  The HELP program offers the peace of mind knowing that monthly payments will never increase.

For more information on NYHELP loan amounts and rates, visit the HESC web site at http://www.hesc.com/content.nsf/NYHELPs/NYHELPs.