U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) today announced that the Senate has voted to extend the Perkins Student Loan Program.
The program provides low-interest loans to students who have demonstrated financial need to meet the costs of higher education.
“This was a hard-fought victory for Ohio students struggling with the cost of college,” Portman stated. “In the Buckeye State alone, we have 67 colleges and universities who take advantage of this program and passage of this legislation is a big win for Ohio students and families.”
“I commend Senator Portman and his colleagues for their work in extending the Federal Perkins Loan Program,” said Dr. Michael V. Drake, President of The Ohio State University. “This measure provides current and future students continued access to the program and ultimately supports our joint focus on college affordability. I look forward to working with the Senator to bring additional certainty to federal aid programs as the Higher Education Act is reauthorized in the coming months.”
“On behalf of Kent State University students, I would like to thank Senator Portman for working to extend the Federal Perkins Loan Program,” said Dr. Beverly Warren, President of Kent State University. “Kent State students receive the largest volume of Perkins Loans in the State of Ohio and many would not be able to pursue the dream of a college education without this support. Many families would struggle to meet the cost of a college education without the Perkins Loan and we appreciate Senator Portman’s leadership and support for this critical program.”