It is axiomatic to contend that when Congress passes a law it is almost impossible to reverse it. The influence of the law may be malevolent, but its boosters will use a metaphorical bullhorn to drown out detractors.

This is the case with the Federal Direct Loan Program (FDLP) which has provided $150 billion in new and consolidated loans since 1994 for higher education students.

On its face, this seems quite desirable. After all, the federal government has been assisting students obtain a college education for more than 60 years, starting with the G.I. Bill after World War II.

At the time FDLP was initiated, it was argued that taxpayers would benefit because the “middle man,” banks and private lenders, would be taken out of the financial equation. The theory was predicated on the belief that government loans given directly to students would save money for the American taxpayers.

However, the theory has departed from the reality as recent evidence attests. In fact, FDLP has not provided savings and is paying out more in interest payments – calculated at about $16.5 billion – than it has received from borrowers since its inception a decade ago.

This is precisely what the Congress should consider when it meets to reauthorize the Higher Education Act (HEA) and the FDLP provisions therein.

Any dispassionate examination of the issue will suggest that a high student default rate as well as improper Department of Education payments and student loan forgiveness has made the FDLP a travesty for American taxpayers.

There is little doubt that there is bipartisan support for student financial aid, but the manner of that assistance should and could vary. Private lenders presently offer federally guaranteed loans to undergraduate and graduate students or their parents. They may be subsidized or unsubsidized loans, i.e. interest payments that are made by the government while the student is in college or loans whose interest is paid for by the student. Continued...