Universal College Credit
Universal College Credit
Boswell Briefing...
By Congressman Leonard Boswell
The cost of college tuition is soaring. Since the 2000-2001 school year tuition for a four-year public college in Iowa has increased over 50 percent. With tuition increasing and college grants making up a smaller percentage of student aid, many students must depend on loans to pay for college. The average college graduate today will graduate with $17,500 in debt, and more and more high school graduates are deciding not to go to college. The Congressional Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance reported that over the next 10 years an estimated 4.4 million high school graduates will decide against attending a four-year public college due to this financial burden.
I find these numbers very disturbing. During my time in Congress, affordable and accessible education has been one of my top priorities. That is why I recently introduced H.R. 5982, the Universal College Credit Act. If enacted, this legislation would provide a tax credit of up to $4,000 for tuition and expenses to a student enrolled in college, junior college, and community college. This credit applies for four years of undergraduate studies and up to six years of graduate studies.
Making college education affordable for all high school graduates benefits not only the individual receiving the education, but also benefits the country as a whole. New college graduates on average will earn 80 percent more than high school graduates just out of school.
As our country grows and our economy changes having some form of higher education can open up many quality jobs. I believe that every student who wishes to attend college should have the opportunity to obtain the best quality education regardless of the cost. An education is the great equalizer. It can take two individuals from completely different backgrounds and level the playing field. It is something that, no matter where your life takes you, can never be taken a way. Fortunes can be made and lost but no one can take away the education you receive.
Iowa has one of the best education systems in the country. During my time in Congress, I have worked tirelessly to ensure that every high school graduate has the opportunity to attend college. I will continue to fight to ensure that Iowa's children have access to the finest and most affordable education available.
http://boswell.house.gov/article.asp?id=537