AAUW presenting discussion on women and student loans

UNIVERSITY PARK — A new study conducted by the American Association of University Women estimates that women hold almost two-thirds of the country’s $1.3 trillion dollars in student debt. Women incur larger student loan debt than men, and after graduation earn an average of 22 percent less than their male counterparts. These factors and others leave women with less disposable income, and it takes them, on average, two years longer than men to pay off student loan debt.

To learn more about women and student loans and to explore solutions, AAUW Pennsylvania, AAUW State College and the Penn State Financial Literacy and Wellness Center will host a panel discussion Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Smeal Business Building on the campus of Penn State University. A reception will be held from 5:45 to 6:20 p.m., followed by the panel program from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. in Room 110.

Federal and state funding of higher education, financial aid issues, academic choices, pay gaps in gender and race and advocacy ideas for individuals will be discussed. The session will be moderated by Dr. Daad Rizk, director of the Penn State Financial Literacy and Wellness Center.  Panelists include Courtney Horner, assistant director of federal and state programs in the Penn State Office of Student Aid; Rebekka Kuhn, academic adviser in Penn State’s Division of Undergraduate Studies; and Amanda Wintersteen, director of federal relations in Penn State’s Department of Government and Community Relations.

There will be a drawing at the program for two $50 gift cards to the Penn State Book Store. Parking is available nearby on Bigler Road in the East Parking Deck; cost is $1 per hour. 

Advance registration is requested via https://financialliteracy.psu.edu/deeper-in-debt-women-and-student-loans/.