Westchester County, New York

College Loan Conference

Two out of three college students use some type of financial aid to pay for school. And while a college loan can be the first step in establishing credit, students and parents need to be aware of what is accepted practice when it comes to loans.

To guide parents and students through this maze of choices, Westchester County and the New York State Attorney General’s Office held a conference on April 14 to discuss financing options.

The keynote speaker, AG Andrew Cuomo, spoke out about the issue of deceptive practices related to college loans. A panel of financial aid experts provided information on financial aid, college loans, financing strategies, and how to be a good consumer when choosing a loan.

If you're in the market for a school loan, we encourage you to view these video segments.

Opening Remarks by County Executive Andy Spano

County Executive Andy Spano talks about the reasons behind Westchester’s decision to organize a college loan conference. 02:45 min.

Keynote Address: Role of the Attorney General’s Office

Attorney General Andrew Cuomo speaks about his office’s role in advising the public on the pitfalls of choosing college loans. He also discusses his office’s investigation of colleges which received financial benefits for steering their students to loan companies. 06:58 min.

Overview of Financial Aid and Student Loan Process

Heather McDonnell, Director of Financial Aid at Sarah Lawrence College and president of the New York State Administrators Association, gives students and families a valuable checklist/timetable on deadlines and requirements in the student admissions/financial aid process. 03:51 min.

Students and Credit Cards

Gary Brown, Director of the Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection, advises parents and students on the proper use of credit cards and how students can avoid amassing crippling debt during college years. 14:10 min.

Investigation of College Referrals to Loan Companies

Benjamin Lawsky, Special Counselor and Assistant to the Attorney General, talks about the Attorney General Office’s year-long investigation of colleges who steered students and families to loan companies. 13:40 min.

College Loans and Your Consumer Rights

Chuck Bell, director Consumer’s Union, provides valuable consumer information on the do’s and don’ts of choosing a student loan and what your rights are as a consumer. 10:14 min.

Role of Financial Aid Counselor

Sabrina Lerman, a financial aid counselor at Westchester Community College, talks about what services students and their families can expect to get from the college financial aid counselor including help with filling out financial aid forms, locating sources of financial aid and keeping students on target meeting the various deadlines for applications. 18:49 min.