eLearners.com Launches Debt-Free College Guide,

Including Most Comprehensive List of Loan Forgiveness Programs

According to the U.S. Department of Education, almost seven million undergraduates received student loans in the 2003-2004 academic year; roughly 35% of all undergraduate students borrowed money. The National Center for Education Statistics states that student loan debt for those completing their degree more than doubled from $9,250 to $19,200 in the past decade, an increase of 108%. However, the good news is that lawmakers from both parties are scrambling to find ways to make higher education more affordable. But until that time, little known programs already exist that can help slash or erase college debt. Visit http://debtfree.elearners.com and click on "California" for more programs and detailed information.

eLearners.com, the leading resource for connecting prospective students with online education, recently announced the launch of the Debt-Free College Guide, a one-stop shop designed to help current, former and prospective students identify opportunities to get out from under the crushing burden of student loans, including programs that are for California residents. The eLearners.com Debt-Free College Guide provides a complete database, with more than 500 financing options, including grants, scholarships, tax incentives and the most comprehensive list of loan forgiveness programs on the Internet.

Some California-based programs include the Lifetime Learning Credit, The College Cost Reduction Act of 2007, and the Stafford Federal Loan Forgiveness Programs. Visit http://debtfree.elearners.com for more information.

"It's the kiss of debt," said Andrew Gansler, CEO of eLearners.com. "The decision to pursue a degree or training program is overshadowed by the prospect of taking on significant debt. And while studies have shown that most degrees pay for themselves through higher earning potential, the thought of graduating 'in the red' prevents many prospective students from moving forward. So eLearners.com is aggregating resources for prospective students to make their educational pursuits possible and palatable."

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Debt-Free College Guide is the list of loan forgiveness programs. Loan forgiveness programs are generally designed to encourage students to pursue educational goals that will lead to employment in specific need-based occupations, such as working for volunteer organizations, federal and state governments, teaching or practicing medicine. In exchange for service in these fields, part or all of student loan debt can be forgiven.

"What is amazing is the number of programs that exist," continued Gansler. "Any working professional contemplating a career move or a career shift should look into these programs as a way to go back to school with increased financial freedom."

The guide is part of eLearners.com's recently announced Student Loans and Financial Aid Center, which helps prospective and current students identify and understand attractive financing options for school. The Center provides detailed information about financial aid, loans, loan consolidation and employer tuition assistance programs. The Center also offers a loan buying guide, in collaboration with The Greentree Gazette, where visitors can compare more than 300 student loans by loan vendor, type, up-front fees and interest rates.