Student loan rates can be cut

Re: David Lazarus’ consumer column “How about a bailout for student debtors?” Oct. 14:

Tony Hollin, the CEO of student loan company Edamerica, said in the column that he’d like to lower interest rates but can’t because the rates are set by the federal government.

In fact, Congress just sets a cap on interest rates for federal student loans. There is nothing to keep lenders from offering lower rates to students.

A variety of repayment and loan forgiveness options dismissed by Lazarus actually makes federal loans the safest, most affordable way to borrow for college.

Edie Irons

Institute for College Access & Success Berkeley