Issue Position: Higher Education

Issue Position

Our commitment to an affordable and accessible quality education does not end in our high schools. I support free public higher education and will help to forge the pathways to make that happen, mindful of breaking down accessibility barriers for all.

We must grow the Commonwealth's first-rate public community colleges, colleges, and universities. According to the Massachusetts Teachers Association, over the last decade higher education funding has plummeted a shocking 32 percent. I'll work to reverse that trend and build back support for our public colleges and universities. Additionally, we know that funding cuts to public higher education drive tuition and fee hikes. According to the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, "Students who took loans to attend four-year public colleges in Massachusetts incurred an average of $25,500 in debt in 2010. This is almost double the levels from 2000, which was $13,798 per student." Student debt is also higher, on average, for students of color whose families are less likely to have amassed savings to help pay for college. Providing adequate funding for public colleges and universities is one clear way to tackle the student debt crisis.

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