There are some changes on the way when it comes to student loans.

There are also some options when it comes to paying for college.

Our Christy Dutton sat down with Joe Carroll Ellis, executive director of Keo, which stands for the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, to help explain what to expect.

What changes are happening at the federal level regarding student loans?

Okay, so, the one big beautiful Bill act, did make some changes to the federal student loan program.

Probably two of the most significant changes are it eliminated a program called Grad Plus.

And this is a federal loan program that is really there to fill the gap for graduate school expenses not covered by other aid or the regular direct student loan program.

We think, you know, there may be some students, especially in the professional schools, who will be looking for other, other ways to finance their education with the elimination of the Grad Plus program.

We do offer, a, an alternative private student loan.

Advantage education loan.com that does offer very good rates, fixed interest interest rates and no fees.

So we encourage families to check out advantage Education loan.com.

If they are looking for additional financing okay.

And for a senior in high school who may be considering borrowing, for, higher education, would this help them or what would you advise them to do?

So the first thing they always want to do is fill out the Fafsa.

Okay.

So go to student 8.gov and fill out the Fafsa, because then you'll find out if you qualify for any need based grants or scholarships.

And also if you qualify for what's called subsidized student loans, meaning that the federal government pays the interest on those loans while you are in school.

And so you'll know, here's what I can get.

Here's what I have left, to finance.

Then what you want to do is you only want to borrow what you need.

Do not borrow more than you need to cover that cost of education and keep in mind that student loans are loans that do accrue interest and do have to be repaid.

I would also encourage families, whether they are looking for additional or, financing, like I mentioned before, or if parents are looking to borrow to check out, advantage education loan.com.

We do offer better rates than some of the federal loans to see if that can help fill the gap.

Okay.

All this is great information.

Joe.

Carol Ellis, thank you so much for being here and sharing your expertise with us.

Thank you so much for having me.