President Obama talks education, financial loan changes in Iowa

President Barack Obama is at North High School in Des Moines right now to hold a town hall meeting on college financial aid.

Obama was introduced by Russhaun Johnson, the student body president at North High School.

Obama talked about the importance of a college education and how it can earn you at least $10,000 more per year than just a high school education.

Obama's stop is part of the Department of Education Director Arne Duncan's annual back-to-school tour.  

Students should not be priced out of education, Obama said.  He said he's asking Congress to simplify and shorten the college loan application process.

Obama said he hopes that changes will help hundreds of thousands of more students get into college.

The president took questions from the audience that was packed with local high school students, parents and teachers.

When asked what advice he has given his own daughter, Malia, the president said he told her not to stress too much about getting into one particular college, keep your grades up until you get in and make sure you pass and finally be open to next experiences.

Duncan said his advice is to apply to 4-6 colleges, not just one.  He said the student's goal should not be to just go to college but to graduate college.

Air Force One touched down at Des Moines International about 1:30 p.m. Obama was met by Col. Mark Chidley, Commander, 132d Air Wing; Kim Reynolds, Lieutenant Governor of Iowa; Frank Cownie, Mayor of Des Moines; David Young, U.S. Representative and Angela Connolly, Chair, Polk County Board of Supervisors.