America’s College Promise

In the SOTU Address 2015, President Obama announced his plan to cut the price of community college down to $0 for some students. Will this actually work?

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In the end

When I first started this blog, I was unsure what I wanted to talk about. I knew I wanted to talk about something I didn't know much about, therefore I would learn more. I chose to write about Obama's America College Promise because it is a current highly debated topic in which I didn't know too much about. I didn't agree with the Plan when I first started researching and writing. Nothing is free and it will cost someone, somewhere down the line, maybe even me or you. But I have concluded that I, ultimately, support this plan and free education for people who qualify and earn it. I think much like grade school, community college should be free and willing to work out the kinks. In our fast pace world, the demands are constantly changing and 30% or more of jobs are requiring some sort of higher education. To keep these jobs in demand, our country must make education more accessible. There will be upsides and downsides but at the end of the day, no one should be deprived an education due to economical standards. I'm anxious to see how this Plan turns out. Thanks for reading.

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Needs vs Wants

Is this free tuition proposal really needed? And whom would it actually benefit? After all, the majority of the nation’s eight million community college students are from low-income families, who would seem to be eligible for existing federal and state grants that cover the amount of community college tuition. And even those who make too much money for those grants or whose families make too much money can generally get most of the tuition reimbursed from the federal government at tax time. But when you dive into the numbers, you find that only a little more than half of these low-income students are getting free rides right now. And the reasons the others don’t get aid would probably also be determining factor to getting free tuition through the new Obama proposal. According to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS), conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics inside the U.S. Department of Education, about 30 percent of all community college students received enough federal grants to wipe out their tuition and fee bills in 2012, the most recent year for which data is available. When you throw in state grants, too, the percentage of community college students who are paying no tuition or fees rises to 38 percent. But what about the remaining 62 percent? Almost half of them are believed to be poor enough to qualify for federal grants. So why aren't they getting them?

I've found the reason behind this is that too few students are filling out the required financial aid form, for one thing. According to the Community College Research Center, only 60 percent of all community college students apply for federal aid. The form has more than 100 questions about family finances, and it can be time consuming to collect supporting documents and verify. In some cases students who receive state grants don’t realize that they should also apply for a federal Pell grant. Another reason, cited by community college experts, is that the typical community college student isn’t a traditional college student who fits into financial aid rules. The majority are part-timers, 60 percent of all community college students, according to the American Association of Community Colleges. They might take a couple classes one semester and then take two semesters off. But technically, part-timers can still get an annual Pell grant, pro-rated by the number of classes that they’re taking. Another reason some low-income students aren’t getting free tuition is because they’ve already been in community college for too long. A January 2015 report by the William T. Grant Foundation, “The New Forgotten Half  ,” pointed out that too many community college students get stuck in remedial classes and eventually drop out. Almost half failed to get any credential even eight years after finishing high school. This is where an academic advisor's help should come in and be mandatory. You can only get a federal Pell grant for six years, and then the money ends. Then there are odd categories of community college students who don’t qualify for Pell grants, such as the eight percent who already have a bachelor’s degree and are taking community college classes for additional technical training or improvement. It helps that some students who pay tuition up front ultimately get it refunded from the federal government at tax time and anyone making less than $80,000 a year can get an education tax credit of up to $2,500 on the tuition they pay. If the student earns too little to owe any taxes, they can still get a refund check from good ole Uncle Sam of up to $1,000. It’s reasonable to suspect that this credit reimburses thousands of community college students their full tuition.

There have been a number of advocates for the poor that said free community college tuition isn't what’s needed. The affordability isn't about tuition and fees since grants are already made available. It has to do with textbooks, transportation, tutors and other living expenses. It also has to do with finding the right advisor that will tailor to your unique situation. 

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More than 1 problem

There are many reasons why community college graduation rates are low and declining and I don't think tuition price is the only reason. Academic advisors can make or break your college experience, they can also make it easier or harder. Finding the right advisor is key to success in higher education. A problem lies when academic advisors are unwilling to help students with transfer credits or scheduling the right classes, therefore detouring the student away from school. Students who attend community college usually require extra attention and leeway because they have other factors involved too, such as a family or job. Once tuition is free, the demand of students will be too high for most community colleges to handle. Then on top of that, one has to find the right advisors who are willing to work with students with special needs and requests. Another problem is the amount of work that goes into applying for federal aid. It is a very demanding task, asking for a mass amount of information and usually requires parental help. What happens to the student whose parents didn't attend any type of school and the government is asking for pictures of their checking account? Once tuition is free, the requirements and paperwork will just increase and I personally don't think much change will happen. Of course, the students who want to further their education will benefit and doesn't mind filling out the paperwork. But we need an easier and simpler system for students to gain aid and that would help fix some problems before making tuition free for everyone. Almost $500,000 of aid goes unused in California simply because students don't apply for it. That speaks for the problem and hassle itself. 

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Apprenticeship

The road to equality runs through the classroom. It’s a bedrock American principle that educational opportunity unlocks the door to mobility, political participation and economic success. Yet today we are seeing a growing and destructive form of segregation: between those who have the knowledge and skills to the secure well-paying jobs and those who don’t. A clear dividing line in this two-tier system is education. The income gap between young Americans with college degrees and those without has never been larger, according to a study last year by the Pew Research Center. Millennials with only a high-school diploma can expect to earn 62% of what their peers with college degrees make, much less than a generation ago. More than 20% of young adults with no college live in poverty. Several states and local governments are expanding access to training and teaching that will prepare students for the more specialized jobs in today’s economy. And President Obama has proposed to make community college free for eligible students.These efforts deserve support, but more is needed. Private businesses and civic organizations have a vital role to play in providing the mentoring, training and apprenticeships. These tools can help students complete their college educations and enter the workforce ready to succeed. Unfortunately, access to higher education is no guarantee of graduation though. Only about 20% of students at public community colleges finish the two-year program within three years. A study released this month by the University of Pennsylvania and the Pell Institute found that while college graduation rates for wealthy students has nearly doubled in 40 years, it remains almost unchanged for poor students. Just 9% of adults from the lowest income bracket have completed college. About one in five of poor students who start college finish a degree by the age of 24. Apprenticeship programs that combine classroom work and on-the-job training are popular in Europe but are under-used in the U.S. Employers should endorse vocational training and certification that meet the healthy demand for medical lab technicians, electricians, digital designers, welders, automotive technicians and other skilled jobs. More businesses should sponsor training programs and options for continuing education. 

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Califorina Tried

To go to community college in California is surprisingly cheap. The annual tuition there is around $1500. You're likely to spend that or more on textbooks! There is also the problem of California not being able to accommodate all the students who are trying to attend. Just in 2012, California had about 470,000 students on waitlist but there just aren't enough professors or institutions to accommodate all the applicants. 

I feel this is exactly what will happen if all states adopt this. I'm kind of torn on how I feel about the plan. Sure free education sounds great and will result in a more intelligent country, but I don't think it will be as easy as it sounds. 

[washingtonexaminer-blog]

House Republican on Obama's #FreeCommunityCollege: 'I don't think he's serious'

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A Republican congressman with a background in the community college system says he wishes President Obama would work with him to develop a better plan than the administration’s proposal for universally free community college.Rep. Bradley Byrne of Alabama expressed his dismay this week that the proposal wasn’t more targeted for specific skills and industries.“You would think that he would have reached out by now to people like me who have a background on it,” Byrne told the New York Times. “None of that has happened.” The congressman says he’s not exactly avoiding the administration. “It’s not like I’m hiding,” Byrne said. “Everyone knows who I am and my background.”

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Will It Work?

In my earlier post from today, February 11, I posted the White House's proposal for America's College Promise. Although, I already knew most of the clauses, I figured some of you might want to read about them. I actually am learning more everyday by reviewing over this material, like who knew high school wasn't always free. A century later and there doesn't seem to be a huge problem with it. Maybe free community college wouldn't be such a problem either as long as it is ensured everyone does their part. Once you start getting the states involved and making their own decisions, that is where the problems start. Of course, it will take years to pass and even more years for all the kinks to work out. The proposal looks good on paper but there are several clauses that have to be met. States have already cut higher education budgets but this plan is asking them to pay more. So will Mississippi Community Colleges have the same education as a California or New York Community College? Will this plan lead to "private" community colleges? I know the colleges have to meet the ASAP standards but with states being able to chose from so much, I'm not sure one would get the quality education for free as they would if they paid. What do you think? 

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The Plan

America thrived in the 20th century in part because we had the most educated workforce in the world. But other nations have matched or exceeded our success. Today, more than ever, Americans need more knowledge and skills to meet the demands of a growing global economy without having to take on decades of debt before they even embark on their career. 

By 2020, an estimated 35 percent of job openings will require at least a bachelor’s degree and 30 percent will require some college or an associate’s degree. Forty percent of college students are enrolled at one of more than 1,100 community colleges, which offer students affordable tuition, open admission policies, and convenient locations. They are particularly important for students who are older, working, need remedial classes, or can only take classes part-time. For many students, they offer academic programs and an affordable route to a four-year college degree. They are also uniquely positioned to partner with employers to create tailored training programs to meet economic needs within their communities such as nursing, health information technology, and advanced manufacturing.

Enhancing Student Responsibility and Cutting the Cost of College for All Americans: Students who attend at least half-time, maintain a 2.5 GPA while in college, and make steady progress toward completing their program will have their tuition eliminated. These students will be able to earn half of the academic credit they need for a four-year degree or earn a certificate or two-year degree to prepare them for a good job.

Building High-Quality Community Colleges: Community colleges will be expected to offer programs that either (1) are academic programs that fully transfer to local public four-year colleges and universities, giving students a chance to earn half of the credit they need for a four-year degree, or (2) are occupational training programs with high graduation rates and that lead to degrees and certificates that are in demand among employers.  Other types of programs will not be eligible for free tuition.  Colleges must also adopt promising and evidence-based institutional reforms to improve student outcomes, such as the effective Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) programs at the City University of New York which waive tuition, help students pay for books and transit costs, and provide academic advising and supportive scheduling programs to better meet the needs of participating students, resulting in greater gains in college persistence and degree completion.Nearly a century ago, a movement that made high school widely available helped lead to rapid growth in the education and skills training of Americans, driving decades of economic growth and prosperity.

Ensuring Shared Responsibility with States: Federal funding will cover three-quarters of the average cost of community college. States that choose to participate will be expected to contribute the remaining funds necessary to eliminate community college tuition for eligible students. States that already invest more and charge students less can make smaller contributions, though all participating states will be required to put up some matching funds. States must also commit to continue existing investments in higher education; coordinate high schools, community colleges, and four-year institutions to reduce the need for remediation and repeated courses; and allocate a significant portion of funding based on performance, not enrollment alone. States will have flexibility to use some resources to expand quality community college offerings, improve affordability at four-year public universities, and improve college readiness, through outreach and early intervention.

[genprogress]

Obama’s Free Community College Proposal Could Bring Affordable Higher Education To Millions Nationwide

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"I don’t know how states would pay for this"

Critics say Obama’s math doesn’t add up on his free tuition plan

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The Cost

The average yearly cost of community college is roughly $3,800. While that might seem like a lot for a struggling college student, the reality is it's a bargain for a college education. $3,800 is not a ridiculous amount of money. Why not make the students hold down a part-time job and pay it off? Or why not make students work harder in grade school and earn scholarships? Why stick the American people with the debt and raise our taxes? As it is, many community college students don't respect their education. Less than half of students who enter a community college graduate or transfer to a four-year college within six years, according to a report called "Reclaiming the American Dream: Community Colleges and the Nation's Future." If these community college students aren't serious when paying for their education, imagine how their viewpoint will deteriorate when it's free? And as a result, the graduation rate will continue to decline. Additionally, the President's thinking on the value of a college education is twisted. He said, "Higher education is the key to getting a good job that pays a good income and ensures you're always employable." Tell that to the millions of people barely earning $50,000 a year or found themselves out of work in recent years. Indeed, formal education has a place and is the right path for some, but it's not the answer to building a financial empire for most, and doesn't hold the weight it once did. It is almost mandatory to have some type of higher education degree to even be considered for a job and once community college is free, the demand will increase to an even higher level degree. 

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Pros and Cons

There are probably a couple hundred pros and cons to the College Promise but here are a few I have found and picked out.

Con: Partisan opposition 

The plan might already be ruined since it requires Congress to approve spending for the idea and the Republican majority is unlikely to support it. Sen. Lamar Alexander, chairman of the Senate's education committee, has already stated he opposes the plan and that it should be up to the individual states to provide a similar program.

Pro: It could still be accepted below the federal level

Even though the Republicans in Congress have stated their opposition, the idea has obviously gained bipartisan support below the federal level with Tennessee 's GOP and Chicago's Democratic stance. 

Con: Existing programs cover poorest students

Free tuition for colleges is already available for the poorest of students through federal Pell Grants. More than 7 out of 10 students pay less than $1,000 per year for community college tuition, including nearly 2 out of 5 students who have grants that pay their entire tuition bill. 

Pro: Free community college-level ED may be inevitable

Many already believe that universal education to the community college level is inevitable. By raising the bar and building off more two-year degrees, more people would be encouraged to seek a bachelor's degree. At least we hope!

Con: The cost

America's College Program could become a costly middle-class entitlement program, if students receive free community college schooling without regard for their income levels. The estimated cost of the program over 10 years is $60 billion.

Pro: Plenty of students likely to benefit

Judging from the results of the free community college program in Tennessee, enrollment would surge when high school students learned that their own community college would be free. 9 million students are estimated to benefit. 

Con: Increased competition could hurt four-year schools

Allocating the estimated $60 billion in federal spending required for the program over 10 years could mean that less funding will be available for higher education initiatives and financial aid at four-year colleges and universities. The program could also encourage students to go to community college instead of four-year schools, which could force some four-year schools to close. The plan also calls for states to pick up 25% of the bill, but state spending on higher education has already been treading downhill.

Pro: States may be encouraged to spend more on higher ed

From 2008 to 2012, state funding for higher education dropped to 22.3% from 29.1%, which has led to tuition increases. Obama's free community college program could help jumpstart increased commitment by states to spend more on higher ed.

Con: Community college has high dropout rates

Drop out rates in community college average between 66% and 80%. WOW, imagine if it was free.

Pro: Progress and outcomes would be measured.

The proposal would address educational quality by requiring community colleges to adopt evidence-based reforms to improve student outcomes.  

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My Opinion

Personally, I like the idea of free community college. Who doesn't like free things? But I don't necessarily think people are understanding truly how expensive free stuff is. As a psychology major, I see several red flags. For example, I live in an apartment complex off the University of Mississippi's main campus. Some of the amenities included are a free gym to work out in, along with free tanning beds to use. Who wouldn't want to sign a lease? But I've found that I hardly ever use the free equipment, mostly because I'm not paying to use it and the quality of the machines are normally worse. But, if I were to go buy a gym membership or tanning package, I would be more likely to go and make use of it because I paid to use it and the quality is more than likely nicer. This example reminds me of how some students could view the College Promise. I think students, especially recent high school graduates, will have a hard time adjusting to community college. The idea of it being free will help a mass amount of students gain access to education, but how much of the masses will actually stay to complete the program? Humans tend to care more for purchased items than free ones. I think America's College Promise could detour knowledgable students from gaining a higher level degree because of the sticker price. Offering free community college tuition might potentially lead students to stop attending once they have received their Associates degree which isn't very beneficial to America in the long run.