ALBANY, NY(readMedia) - The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) today reminded New York State students and families who still have outstanding college expenses for the coming spring term that low-cost, fixed rate New York Higher Education Loan Program (NYHELPs) loans are now available. Students enrolled in the 51 participating colleges and universities may borrow up to $10,000 for the spring 2010 term, after exhausting all other State grant aid and most federal aid.

With fewer lending options available to families in recent years, NYHELPs education loans are designed to fill the gap between college costs and available financial aid, at a rarely found low-cost, fixed rate. To protect against over-borrowing, students and families must consider grants, scholarships and federal loans before applying for a NYHELPs loan.

Participating colleges and universities in central and Northern New York are:

• Clarkson University
• Paul Smith's College
• SUNY College of Technology at Canton

• Bryant and Stratton College of Syracuse and North Syracuse
• Cazenovia College
• Hartwick College
• LeMoyne College
• SUNY College at Oswego
• Utica College
• Wells College

The complete list of participating colleges, as well as additional information about NYHELPs, including instructions for applying for a loan, can be found at HESC.org/NYHELPs.