The direct lending program, in which money for loans comes directly from the government, competes with the Federal Family Education Loan program, which uses banks and other guarantee agencies for loans. In a press conference, Kennedy said the advantage of using the direct lending program was savings for the taxpayers, whose taxes pay interest money to the guarantee agencies.

Marquette uses the direct lending program due to its ease of use compared to the FFEL program, according to Dan Goyette, director of financial aid. He said it was too early to guess how much money would come to Marquette if the bill passes.

However, Goyette is not convinced the bill will pass. He listed the chances of the bill passing as "one in 10," saying that lobbyers for the private lenders were powerful and may be able to convince members of Congress not to vote for the bill.

The House version of the same bill is sponsored by Reps. Thomas Petri (R-Wis.) and George Miller (D-Calif.).

~Tim Horneman