Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell and U.S. President Barack Obama share something in common: both are taking bold steps to help more students get baccalaureate degrees.
Rendell wants to supplement Obama’s American Opportunity Tax Credit and Pell Grant increase with another proposal to help low-income families in his state: tuition relief. The governor believes this will expand college access and boost the state’s economy.
As part of his legislative agenda, Rendell unveiled a plan to make college tuition more affordable for every Pennsylvania family earning under $100,000 per year. Rendell says his proposal will help more than 170,000 students. It will also place a college degree within reach of 10,000 students who otherwise would be unable to afford tuition or might leave the state to attend college.
"Many families who saved diligently for their children's education have watched those savings quickly evaporate as a result of the national economic downturn," Rendell said. "That's why it's essential for the General Assembly to approve my plan right away so that students can receive needed relief starting this fall."
Under Rendell’s plan, all incoming students who qualify and seek to attend state-owned universities or community colleges will pay what they can afford in accordance with established financial aid practices. Every family will pay at least $1,000 a year for each child in college.
For families with income under $100,000, students could obtain as much as $7,600 in relief for tuition, fees, room and board. This relief will greatly enhance the affordability of higher education, Rendell explained.
Under the Tuition Relief Act:
-Everyone will pay something, but a student pays only what he or she can afford.
-Many families earning less than $32,000 a year will pay just $1,000 for tuition, fees, room, board and books.
-Every family that qualifies will receive thousands of dollars in tuition relief, and many will save as much as three-quarters of the total bill for tuition, fees, room, board and books.
In addition to providing immediate aid to families, Rendell said his tuition relief plan also would alleviate the crushing debt that makes it hard for many college graduates to get a strong start in their professional life.
"Three out of four students who graduate from our public universities do so with debt averaging nearly $19,000 a student," the Rendell said.
FAMU’s students graduate with an average of almost $30,000 in debt. This problem is closely linked to the low-income background of FAMU’s student body. Most students come from families that only make about $30,000 annually.
Rendell has run into a problem similar to what Florida faces: a legislature that refuses to find adequate tax revenue for public higher education.
The Pennsylvania governor calls his General Assembly: “tax averse. That's one of the biggest problems we have in the state. It's one of the biggest problems we have in the country.”
Rendell wants to supplement Obama’s American Opportunity Tax Credit and Pell Grant increase with another proposal to help low-income families in his state: tuition relief. The governor believes this will expand college access and boost the state’s economy.
As part of his legislative agenda, Rendell unveiled a plan to make college tuition more affordable for every Pennsylvania family earning under $100,000 per year. Rendell says his proposal will help more than 170,000 students. It will also place a college degree within reach of 10,000 students who otherwise would be unable to afford tuition or might leave the state to attend college.
"Many families who saved diligently for their children's education have watched those savings quickly evaporate as a result of the national economic downturn," Rendell said. "That's why it's essential for the General Assembly to approve my plan right away so that students can receive needed relief starting this fall."
Under Rendell’s plan, all incoming students who qualify and seek to attend state-owned universities or community colleges will pay what they can afford in accordance with established financial aid practices. Every family will pay at least $1,000 a year for each child in college.
For families with income under $100,000, students could obtain as much as $7,600 in relief for tuition, fees, room and board. This relief will greatly enhance the affordability of higher education, Rendell explained.
Under the Tuition Relief Act:
-Everyone will pay something, but a student pays only what he or she can afford.
-Many families earning less than $32,000 a year will pay just $1,000 for tuition, fees, room, board and books.
-Every family that qualifies will receive thousands of dollars in tuition relief, and many will save as much as three-quarters of the total bill for tuition, fees, room, board and books.
In addition to providing immediate aid to families, Rendell said his tuition relief plan also would alleviate the crushing debt that makes it hard for many college graduates to get a strong start in their professional life.
"Three out of four students who graduate from our public universities do so with debt averaging nearly $19,000 a student," the Rendell said.
FAMU’s students graduate with an average of almost $30,000 in debt. This problem is closely linked to the low-income background of FAMU’s student body. Most students come from families that only make about $30,000 annually.
Rendell has run into a problem similar to what Florida faces: a legislature that refuses to find adequate tax revenue for public higher education.
The Pennsylvania governor calls his General Assembly: “tax averse. That's one of the biggest problems we have in the state. It's one of the biggest problems we have in the country.”
I've gotta read more on this one. Sounds like progress.
ReplyDeletePay only what you can afford and receive only what you need--sounds like Communism to me. The Republicans will never go for it. Other than that, it sounds like a great idea. Our Legislature could care less.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds foolish! If a couple makes 100,000 a year with two children 3-5 years apart then they should be able to pay for college! People can and should value education over, name brand clothes, cars, and big homes! Children should be able to VALUE EDUCATION!
ReplyDeleteI should not have to subsides a parents failure to properly provide for their child's future. I think the Republicans of today and the past 8yrs are totally crazy, but this is an example of why I think the Democrats are equally as crazy just on the other end of the spectrum.
Tuition needs to be made more affordable. It's rising well above the rate of inflation. Our country is hurting its own ability to produce a skilled workforce.
ReplyDelete"Tuition needs to be made more affordable. It's rising well above the rate of inflation. Our country is hurting its own ability to produce a skilled workforce.
ReplyDelete6/18/2009 6:39 PM"
The problem is that our entire educational system does not encourage our youth to become part of a "skilled workforce." Every child today is told that they are entitled to a college education. Let's face it, not everyone needs or wants to go to college. What we have ended up with is a generation of college educated but unskilled people with many who feel it is beneath them to 'labor.' We do not encourage nor promote skills. This nation was founded on hard work and labor. Yet, today, those who labor are considered 'blue collar' and 'second class.' We desperately need a trained and skilled and active work force.