Stand up for the facts!

Our only agenda is to publish the truth so you can be an informed participant in democracy.
We need your help.

More Info

I would like to contribute

$

Doing the math on the new student loan law

By Catharine Richert
March 30, 2010

President Barack Obama signed legislation on Tuesday changing the way the student loan plan is administered.

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, an opponent of the plan, said the government is effectively taking over the student loan process and that students will actually end up paying more for their loans as a result.

“The average student will be spending $1,700 to $1,800 more during the life of their loan because of this surcharge,” Graham said on the March 24, 2010, episode of On the Record with Greta Van Susteren. “From the students’ point of view, it’s going to cost you $1,700 to $1,800 more to pay your student loan off, and all the money goes to the federal government.”

We looked into the math behind this claim and rated his statement False. Read our full report for the details.

Our Sources

See report for full sources.

Browse the Truth-O-Meter

More by Catharine Richert
Katrina vanden Heuvel
stated on May 2, 2010 a roundtable discussion on ABC's 'This Week'
"At the moment, energy companies spend 0.25 percent on R&D."
True
Arlen Specter
stated on April 21, 2010 an interview on MSNBC's Daily Rundown
 "Congress can tell [the Supreme Court] which cases they ought to hear. We have that authority."
True
Stephen Colbert
stated on April 12, 2010 an interview on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report"
John Paul Stevens is the only Protestant on the U.S. Supreme Court.
True
Barack Obama
stated on March 31, 2010 an announcement at Andrews Air Force Base
On oil drilling
No Flip
Lindsey Graham
stated on March 24, 2010 an appearance on the Fox News show "On the Record" with Greta Van Susteren
"The average student will be spending $1,700 to $1,800 more during the life of their loan because of this surcharge."
False

Crist touts Cover Florida as cost-saving health care for Floridians

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
stated on January 7, 2026 a press briefing

stated on January 14, 2026 a statement

Social Media
stated on February 14, 2026 social media posts



stated on January 20, 2026 an op-ed


Donald Trump
stated on February 3, 2026 remarks in the Oval Office


Social Media
stated on February 8, 2026 social media posts





Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
stated on stated on November 17, 2025 in remarks at George Washington University:

Donald Trump
stated on February 2, 2026 an interview with Dan Bongino