Faculty Publications

Episode 11: I Borrowed, I'm Graduating, HELP!! (Part II of III)

Document Type

Podcast

Journal/Book/Conference Title

The Next Step Podcast: Adulting 101

Issue

11

Abstract

In Episode 11 of the Next Step podcast, the host continues a conversation with Tim Bakula, Director of Financial Aid, about what graduating seniors should do regarding student loans. Tim advises students to identify their loan servicer, review how much they have borrowed, and develop a realistic repayment plan and budget based on expected job, earnings, and living costs. He explains that financial aid offices can still help graduates after the six-month grace period and recommends StudentAid.gov to find servicer and loan details. Tim discusses education debt as “good debt” when it results in a completed degree, notes federal loan interest rates around 6%, and describes how on-time payments affect credit. He outlines standard 10-year repayment, income-based options, the ability to change plans, and loan forgiveness programs like PSLF.

Department

Department of Communication and Media

Original Publication Date

3-19-2026

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