At the beginning of last year, students clanged on pots and pans, celebrating Obama’s victory and chalking up change.

At the beginning of this year, students are scratching their heads, wondering where that change is.

In fact, when Obama took office, 76 percent of Americans believed he would effect change, whereas now 50 percent do, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

We’re nonplussed about Obama’s progress after his invigorating campaign messages, and so are others.

Rolling Stone, which featured Obama on its cover four times in two years, the first breezed with the headline, “A New Hope,” just published a Dec. 9 article called “Obama’s Big Sellout.”

The Economist also assessed Obama’s first year with the headline, “Time to Get Tough.”

Guantanamo Bay remains open, more troops are being sent to Afghanistan with an overambitious exit time, and America faces a $12 trillion debt by 2015.

On the other hand, Obama instigated the stimulus plan and the overhaul of health care, repaired the U.S.’s reputation worldwide (good for students studying abroad), and made peace with a few beers.

In the end, he leaves many promises unfulfilled and us wondering how he will tackle all his proclaimed goals.

And his effect on students?

In a mixed bag, Obama revolutionized student aid, making it more affordable for middle class kids to receive grants. He gained ground with the health care plan, which could secure protection for graduated students, but still needs to be hammered out. And though he’s caused the economy to stop falling, unemployment still looms at 10 percent.

Student Aid

The Obama administration took a bold step in resurrecting the student loan system, unchanged since 1965.

Under the former Federal Family Education Loan program, the government subsidized loans to private loaners, like Sallie Mae. Taxpayers could pay up to 97 percent for defaulted student loans.

The new Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act cuts out the middle-man and makes the government the sole controller.

Now, with only the government in charge, Democrats believe the U.S. will save $87 billion over 10 years.

The bill maximizes need-based Pell Grants from $5,350 in 2009 to $5,550 in 2010 and $6,900 in 2019, according to the Committee on Education and Labor’s Web site.

The bill also makes it easier for middle class families to qualify for aid, and more affordable for 8.5 million students — all pluses for groaning college students with piling loans. The act will be instated on July 10, 2010 — a lofty goal for such a turnaround.

Job Creation

Obama vowed to “save or change” 3.5 million jobs by the end of 2010, which by now, doesn’t look too promising.

The $787 billion stimulus plan stabilized the economy, but seems to have saved more jobs than it created — major drawbacks for graduating seniors, according to the New York Times.

Although complicated, most economists agree the economy has been stabilized. In fact, there are between 1.5 and 2 million greater jobs in the fourth quarter than there would have been without the stimulus fund, according to the New York Times.

But Obama needs to concentrate on creating more jobs and bringing down the stagnant 10 percent unemployment rate.

Health Care

Obama made another bold step in revamping health care during his first year.

And the convoluted health care bill will have added benefits for students.

About two-thirds of college students have health care coverage through their parents and 7 percent through their university, according to the Government Accountability Office.

Thirty percent of young people between ages 19 and 29 are uninsured, or 13 million people, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Web site.

However, many graduates are left uncovered until they find a job with coverage, which is difficult now. Under the House’s bill, students could have coverage under their parents until age 27 and the Senate stipulates coverage until age 26.

We appreciate the effort to protect college students who remain in limbo until they find a job or buy an individual insurance plan.

The outcome of the health care plan and exactly how it will affect students remains to be seen. As do the rest of Obama’s promises.