Illinois Valley Times

Thousands of Americans have the opportunity to have between $10,000 to $20,000 of their student loans forgiven by United States President Joe Biden, though it faced constant GOP-supported legal battles.

“As college application season kicks off, I'm encouraging students and their families to take advantage of several state and federal relief opportunities related to financial aid, student loans and college affordability,” Sen. Patrick Joyce wrote on Twitter.

Like Joyce said, applying for scholarships can help pay for college or university tuition. Of course, each scholarship offers selective acceptance that receives hundreds of applications.

In his news release, Joyce highlights the opportunity for individuals to have college debt forgiven, encouraging them to look into the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, as well as the one-time student loan forgiveness announced by President Biden.

CNBC reported the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted six states’ petitions to stop the loan forgiveness. It added that the states need to prove they’ve been harmed by the loan forgiveness.

“Understanding the college application process can be intimidating and confusing for students and families,” Joyce said. “Resources should be more accessible to help them navigate this process and make higher education more attainable.”

PolitiFact noted the National Center for Education Statistics saw that 39% of student loan borrowers who started in 2012 didn’t have a four-year degree.

Joyce also highlighted the Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) that is available for college-bound students to fill out - that form helps determine the amount of financial aid one can qualify for. It may also be necessary for many scholarships. That form is available here. 

Illinois students may also qualify for state-specific aid if they fill out the Alternative Application for Student Aid that application is available here.

Intelligent reported registered voters are highly interested in student loan forgiveness.

Joyce received an endorsement for his re-election campaign from the Illinois State Rifle Association Political Victory Fund, according to an email from the organization.