U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) announced last week that he would reintroduce debt-free college legislation, which was first filed last year, reports Inside Higher Ed and Vox.
The Debt-Free College Act and the identical House legislation have support from over 40 Democrats, Inside Higher Ed reported.
The legislation would create a one-to-one federal match for state spending on higher education and use those to fill unmet need for college students. Any college costs above a student's expected family contribution would be covered, with priority given to Pell Grant recipients, Inside Higher Ed reported. The plan takes into account the full cost of college, including living expenses, meal plans, and books, Vox reported.
According to the College Board, tuition and fees for in-state students have increased nearly 30 percent since 2007, from $7,080 to $9,140, Vox reported. The average family pays $3,030, up from $2,680 in 2007, for tuition and fees after financial aid.
Vox also noted the Brookings Institution report, which found that student debt and defaulting on loans has severe impacts on graduates, especially low-income and minority students.
Debt-free college will likely be a focus of the 2020 presidential primary election as well as the reauthorization of the federal Higher Education Act, Inside Higher Ed reported.
Related Links
Vox
https://www.vox.com/2019/3/7/18252270/progressives-tuition-debt-free-college-schatz-pocan
Inside Higher Ed
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2019/03/07/schatz-reintroduces-debt-free-college-bill