Sen. Reed Visits RWU to Warn of Student Loan Interest Hike

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) is scheduled to speak at Roger Williams University today to call for Congressional action on student loan interest rates, which will double to 6.8 percent on July 1.

Reed will join students and faculty at a planned 11:30 am speaking program at the Global Heritage Hall Atrium on Old Ferry Road.

According to a release provided by RWU, the average college graduate in 2007 carried about $17,000 in debt; in 2012, that number was $27,250 — a 58-percent increase.

Reed is expected to speak about a bill he submitted to freeze student loan interest rates for two years to allow Congress another chance to address the recent explosion in student debt.

University President Donald J. Farish and students, including at least one graduating senior, are expected to speak as part of this morning's program.