By Trevor McNally

Student loan debt is out of control in this country. The U.S. Department of Education recently reported that in the first quarter of 2019- which are the most recent numbers available- as many as 49.8 million borrowers owed $1.447 trillion in outstanding federal student loans. To give you an idea of the magnitude of this number, the student loan balance was only $345 billion in 2004.

Of these 49.8 million borrowers, there are an estimated 5.2 million federal student loan borrowers in default, 3.4 million federal student loans in deferment and another 2.7 million in forbearance.

But if you are or are related to a union member, or more specifically a member of the United Association, then get ready to let out a huge sigh of relief.

The United Association announced last week on February 18 its latest benefit for members as well as their families: namely, the United Association Free College Benefit.

“As you know, the United Association has always supported and prioritized education for our members and has strongly advocated for promoting affordable tuition for working families,” they said. “Today we are introducing to our members and their families a way to work toward obtaining a college degree for free.”

So how does this all work? Basically, UA members and their families- which are defined as children (or stepchildren), grandchildren (or step-grandchildren), spouses, domestic partners, financial dependents, siblings and parents- must first fill out the FAFSA to see what federal and state grants and other aid they are already eligible for (applicants are not required to take out any loans whatsoever). Members must be in good standing and be either full-dues paying members or retirees.

The benefit works as a “last dollar scholarship” or grant, which means that it pays for the entire remaining cost of tuition, fees and e-books for certain online programs after eligible and state benefits have already been applied.

The benefit is offered for courses taken online through Eastern Gateway Community College, which is a part of the University system of Ohio. But because it’s online, members and their families in all 50 states are eligible to earn either an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.

The specific programs offered are as follows: Associate of Arts, Criminal Justice, Teacher Education Degree, Paralegal, Patient Home Navigator, Professional Office Management, and Business Management Degrees; all of which include various focus options.

For more information, visit https://www.unionplusfreecollege.org/