PIRG in the News

Media Hit | Consumer Protection, Higher Ed, Textbooks

Groups target textbook prices to rein in college costs

A push to create free or inexpensive textbooks is gaining momentum as educators, philanthropists and policymakers nationwide search for new ways to rein in college costs.

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Media Hit | Higher Ed

Students Lose When Financial Aid Goes Onto Fee-Laden Debit Cards

Thought the student loan crisis was bad as it is? Now add hefty fees into that mix. Providers say students can avoid the fees that pile up when they elect to receive their financial aid on a debit card, but new research from a consumer advocacy group finds that these companies throw up roadblocks to keep the fee revenue rolling in, even as colleges make big bucks off their affiliations with these institutions.

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Media Hit | Higher Ed

Campus debit cards can carry downsides

Consumer advocates have long criticized the amount of fees associated with debit cards. Most recently, a report by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund found that hundreds of colleges have partnerships with financial companies to put a student’s financial aid on debit or prepaid cards that carry hefty fees. Under some of these deals, official student photo ID cards can double as debit cards.

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Media Hit | Energy Service Corps

Group educates community on energy saving practices

After a month of recruiting volunteers and meeting with campus and community leaders, the CSU chapter of the nationwide Energy Service Corps is ready to take its message of energy conservation to the citizens and youth of Fort Collins.

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Media Hit | Democracy, New Voters Project

Groups help students register before deadline

Given Colorado’s unpredictable political turnout in past presidential elections, it has been classified as a swing state this year and one that has the potential to help decide the White House’s occupant for the next four years. Oct 9 marked the deadline for Colorado residents to register for this year’s election