Some University of Minnesota students face potential student aid cuts following a White House budget proposal.
The White House released its full budget proposal May 23, detailing the Trump administration’s goals for the 2018 fiscal year. The changes include a proposed $4.03 billion cut in education funding.
The budget cuts funding to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and other federal loan programs, but expands Pell grants.
According to OneStop student services, $303,003,114 in student aid was awarded to University students in 2015-16, including $3,250,564 in undergraduate Perkins loans. In the same time frame, the University dispersed 10,817 in subsidized loans, 17,853 in unsubsidized loans and 6,169 in PLUS loans for graduate or professions students and parents of students.
“We should be doing more to give student borrowers the support and relief they need, but this budget does exactly the opposite,” said Sen. Al Franken in an emailed statement. “I will do everything I can to make sure this proposal never becomes law.”
The University declined to comment on the specifics of the proposed budget.
“We remain committed to providing a world-class education that is accessible and affordable for students and their families. At this time, it would be inappropriate to comment further,” said Steve Henneberry, a University spokesman.
