College Affordability

Democrats will fight to expand opportunities for world-class educations for all, regardless of income.

What are we up against?

• The cost of college has far outpaced the rate of inflation as tuition has skyrocketed over the past several years.
• As costs rise, successful high school students who want to earn a college degree will choose not to attend college because they can't afford it.
• Many college graduates are unable to pursue public service and other rewarding careers after college due to the large debt they collect while borrowing to pay for their education.
• With no regard for the education of our nation's students, the student lending industry has plagued higher education with scandal and corruption, all the while reeping government subsidies and padding their bottom line.

A vote for Democrats is a vote for more affordable and accessible colleges

• Make the first $4,000 of college completely free for most Americans with a fully refundable tax credit.
• Increase the maximum Pell Grants awarded to low-income students.
• Allow families and students to apply for financial aid by simply checking a box on their tax form.
• Make all Federal lending direct, eliminating subsidies to private lenders.
• Prepare high school students for the college application and funding process.
• Increase investment in our nation's community colleges.
• Pass the DREAM act to allow long-term, high-achieving, undocumented immigrants to attend public-universities and pay in-state tuition.
• Incentivize and return the prestige to careers in education by creating Teacher Service Scholarships.

Recent Democratic Accomplishments:

Since the Democrats took control of the House and Senate in 2006, they have taken major steps to make college more affordable:

• Make college more affordable and clean up the student loan industry by passing the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007
• Student loan interest rates cut in half.
• Pell Grants increased by $500
• Loan forgiveness for public service paid for without passing the cost onto future generations.
• Cleaned up scandals in the student loan industry.
• Increased educational benefits to veterans by passing the 21st Century GI Bill.

These are just some of the policies, accomplishments, and solutions that Democrats are already pursuing. We know there are other great ideas out there, this list is by no means exhaustive. Share your thoughts, ideas, and solutions by submitting a comment below.