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@ISIDEWITHQuestionsEducationStarted 7yrs agoActive 3hrs ago

Should the federal government pay for tuition at four-year colleges and universities?

A 2017 College Board study estimated that the cost of college has increased 100% since 2001. The St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank estimates that U.S. college tuition debt has increased from $480 billion in 2006 to $1.5 trillion in 2018. Several 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary candidates have argued that the cost of college is out of control and that the government should pay for tuition. Opponents argue that the government cant afford it and point to estimates from the Committee for a Responsible Federal budget that estimate programs would cost the government $80 billion a year.

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55.5k Replies

 @9D63X29 from Missouri  answered…3yrs3Y

Yes but only at state schools, not private

 @99936S8 from Missouri  answered…3yrs3Y

No, but reduce cost of education

 @BD58HHY  from Missouri  answered…2mos2MO

No, but enforce the creating of affordable tuition for the mean middle class income

 @BCV39XB from Missouri  answered…2mos2MO

no but provide more scholarships across the U.S. and provide lower interest rates for student loans

 @BCNMHJJ from Missouri  answered…2mos2MO

The government should offer more in financial aid, or not go off of parental income

 @BCMCY5T from Missouri  answered…2mos2MO

No, because federal payment of tuitions has led to dramatically higher tuition prices due to a lack of restriction on college institutions.

 @BCHFJLF  from Missouri  answered…3mos3MO

No, but only because that sounds like it would make taxes a lot more expensive. There should definitely be lower interest rates for student loans, and a lot more scholarship opportunities.

 @BBDBYDV from Missouri  answered…4mos4MO

Yes, if we implement a national service model. If we do not implement national service, then no, but student loans interest rates should be near zero.

 @BBBX8Q5Women’s Equality from Missouri  answered…4mos4MO

I feel like they should pay for colleges only for people who have low income and cannot pay for it themselves.

 @B8C7FZ5 from Missouri  answered…7mos7MO

No, if they are choosing to go to a very expensive college, just because they wouldn't have to pay for it.

 @B874D5CRepublican from Missouri  answered…7mos7MO

Yes, but only for the people who are financially unable to pay for college. There should be tests and checks to make sure that they are actually financially unable.

 @B6SWRXF from Missouri  answered…9mos9MO

Address the issues that are making college so expensive, provide partial tuition coverage for lower- and middle-class students.

 @B5KKHVGSocialist from Missouri  answered…1yr1Y

For 'in demand' trades, and career seeking degrees in the federal government, yes, but for elective or private sector degrees, no. However, employers should have incentives to cover tuition, and interest rates must be capped.

 @B5CKCJZ from Missouri  answered…1yr1Y

This is not a federal matter. Let states make this choice for themselves. If this would be provided on a federal level, only provide it for STEM fields.

 @B4WB329 from Missouri  answered…1yr1Y

No, but the government needs to work on drastically reducing the price of college tuition and provide more scholarships for lower-income students

 @B4JFRGC from Missouri  answered…1yr1Y

help out students who are struggling financially/people with disabilities and can't do much for themselves like working, etc.

 @B3L544TDemocrat from Missouri  answered…1yr1Y

It would be unrealistic to have completely free college education, but the government should provide more scholarship opportunities and lower interest rates on student loans. The government should provide resources to make education ore accessible to all. An educated county is a substantial country.

 @B38NT7K from Missouri  answered…1yr1Y

Yes, more scholaship opportunities should be available for those who qualify and stident loan interest should be lowered

 @B2VL74F from Missouri  answered…1yr1Y

No, but the cost of college should be lowered. The over availability of loans has increased the cost.

 @B2NPCS4 from Missouri  answered…1yr1Y

The government should pay for the textbooks, meal plans and salary of professors at any and every university. Students should only have to pay for room and board (if any).

 @9ZMT9JM from Missouri  answered…2yrs2Y

My answer is Yes, with that being said I don’t want it to come out of tax payers taxes. Just how K-12 is government funded. I think colleges and universities should be too.

 @9ZGDT2P from Missouri  answered…2yrs2Y

Yes, if the specific student is preforming at a standard to allow for full tuition, like good attendance and track record

 @9Y4H9CMIndependent from Missouri  answered…2yrs2Y

Realistically, free tuition for a 2 year community college. And more scholarship opportunities for lower income students regardless of where they are going to school. Lower the interest rate. Interest rate of student loans is ridiculous.

 @9XBM4ZW from Missouri  answered…2yrs2Y

Yes only for students in a high-need career field who show exemplary dedication to their studies and career outlook

 @9VQYK36 from Missouri  answered…2yrs2Y

Public non-profit colleges should not be for profit. They should be covered in order to increase the education of the citizens in our country .

 @9T89DPM from Missouri  answered…2yrs2Y

No, causes increased spending that is not needed. Lower the price of college to make it affordable instead of insane price gouging.

 @9SQQRWKIndependent from Missouri  answered…2yrs2Y

I say yes to an extent because they should pay for some of it just not 100% of it you should still have to pay for some so your responible for some

 @9RWMD9B from Missouri  answered…2yrs2Y

No, but provide a more reasonable tuition especially for individuals whose family does not help with the cost

 @9RC9F5F from Missouri  answered…2yrs2Y

No but federal government or state government should have a low income educational program or certification of some variety to make education achievable.

 @9QZ7ZJ9 from Missouri  answered…2yrs2Y

The government should be allowed to provide student loans, but instead make each individual responsible for their own debt.

 @9NLV63B from Missouri  answered…2yrs2Y

Yes, but only at public institutions and only if students maintain certain requirements such as grades.

 @9LGN6VWRepublican from Missouri  answered…2yrs2Y

No, and a mix of these two: No, but provide lower interest rates for student loans No, but provide more scholarship opportunities for low-income students

 @9K32HBJ from Missouri  answered…2yrs2Y

Yes because how expensive they made it yes, I'm 21 with a part time job, I cant make that mutch with you taking most of my pay check.

 @9JS57SN from Missouri  answered…2yrs2Y

I think it should be a combination of Colleges lowering costs AND the Government paying for tuitions

 @9H9GKJ6 from Missouri  answered…3yrs3Y

Yes, for achieving it through scholarships that value work, not because your ancestors were woundied 100 years ago.

 @9GJTKBQ  from Missouri  answered…3yrs3Y

If the government pays for college and university tuition, it might cause an increase in taxes to cover the cost.

 @9FBRC4GGreen from Missouri  answered…3yrs3Y

If we need people to do the jobs don't make them pay to learn how to do it.

 @9F92N8G from Missouri  answered…3yrs3Y

no, with the exception of government work i.e military

 @9DWQSQJ from Missouri  answered…3yrs3Y

Government should cap tuition costs for a student for five years.

 @9DWPJBT from Missouri  answered…3yrs3Y

Yes, but there should be clear student attendance and grade requirements

 @9DJN632 from Missouri  answered…3yrs3Y

they should pay some of the tuition, more for those that have a better success with that profession and if the profession is in high demand

 @9D5H3C8Green from Missouri  answered…3yrs3Y

Yes, depending on the financial needs of the student

 @9D4SJ4P from Missouri  answered…3yrs3Y

Privately owned education should be eliminated. All education should be tax funded

 @9BM8BZD from Missouri  answered…3yrs3Y

Yes, depending on your GPA and involvement in the community.

 @9BM4ZHQ from Missouri  answered…3yrs3Y

The only reason colleges are able to charge so much is the existence of student loans, the removal of which would greatly decrease college fees and remove the need for student loans, in addition to reducing inflation.

 @96LDYQY from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

Yes, I believe that the federal government should partially pay for tuition at 4 year colleges and that there should be a lower interest rate for student loans

 @96K7QQY from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

Yes, because some people can't afford to go to college and needs financial aid help.

 @96GV6VGIndependent from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

Make all schools equitable so everyone has a better chance of obtaining a scholarships. Also, programs need to be in place to provide lower-income families scholarships based on financial need.

 @96CP3TVIndependent from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

Yes, but if a student does not complete their degree, it becomes a loan

 @968P676Independent from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

Yes, but only for students who demonstrate that they are hard-working and high-achieving.

 @95RZNX2 from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

No, and remove the student loan program. Student loans should not be a zero risk investment for companies and should be able to dissolve in the case of bankruptcy.

 @95RFLV3 from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

No, but pressure colleges and regulate tuition costs to make higher education attainable.

 @95P4N4J from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

Yes, but only for useful degrees (stem, education, business, etc.)

 @95JJR8N from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

I think that they should pay for people who need it, but most people have the opportunity to work so they don't need their college paid for. But if they are in debt because they had to have surgery or something they should be the ones receiving the help.

 @95GCL2H from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

I think if you get a scholarships from schools to pay for tuition the government should pay for, not because you are good in a sport but you minour grades.

 @95D867LRepublican from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

yes, some people need help to support themselves when some families don't have a bunch of money for college

 @957ZFGZDemocrat from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

I think the whole education system needs an overhaul for the 21st century. Then have colleges, universities, and trade schools work together at finding better options for scholarships or a kickback from companies that benefit from educated employees.

 @94H5MRR from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

No, but more grants should be established and legislation should be passed to establish a maximum cost of educational materials, housing, and tuition.

 @94GZ5CK from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

No, but decrease the amount of tuition and funding needed to attend university.

 @943QPCJ from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

In part, but tuition rates also need to come down. College is too expensive for young people to make it work without changes from somewhere.

 @943BS2DDemocrat from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

Yes, but only for entirely publicly-funded universities, and they should also provide scholarships for technical schools

 @939FCMF from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

Yes, but only for students who meet certain academic criteria

 @938CCZS from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

Stop funding Universities with huge endowments. All they do is take the Government money and increase tuition.

 @92XBSTC from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

No, but regulate the cost of tuition and textbooks

 @92XBBNYPeace and Freedom from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

No, have colleges and universities reduce their rising prices so they quit taking advantage of the need to go to college for most careers.

 @92TG9WX from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

Yes, but am worried about paying for absurd ballooning costs that aren't in line with job prospects.

 @92QTZPP from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

No, Because this will only cause an increase to taxes

 @92L997D from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

No, but colleges should cost less

 @922G2ZBRepublican from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

part of it

 @8ZYT8HKRepublican from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

No, get the government out of the way so colleges will have incentive to reduce tuition, also incentive useful degrees

 @8ZSY7KS from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

Yes, but only if these children deserve the free education

 @8ZQYCXZRepublican from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

no not to those who don't even care about education.

 @8ZNRW6Y from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

It depends on the field and saturation.

 @8ZG47PYConstitution from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

Make school cheaper.

 @8ZBXD9F from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

No but it should not be as high as it is.

 @8YZYVJN from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

for all type of college

 @8YVNLFD from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

They should help some but not entirely

 @8YKSH3TSocialist from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

The colleges themselves should pay for the tuition at their schools.

 @8YDBDHL from Missouri  answered…4yrs4Y

Yes, but only if the said person completes their 4 years of college. If said person drops out, they should be expected to pay.

 @8XYMFJ6 from Missouri  answered…5yrs5Y

yes, but not all of it, just make it an affordable amount

 @8XVQJQJ from Missouri  answered…5yrs5Y

Regardless, this should be decided at state level

 @8XCXZCX from Missouri  answered…5yrs5Y

No, but make it so that it isn't so expensive that college students are drowning in debt.

 @8WH4CTNWomen’s Equality from Missouri  answered…5yrs5Y

Yes, only if their are fair requirements the student have to reach.

 @8WFKSGJ from Missouri  answered…5yrs5Y

No, but universities should be limited on what tuition rates they charge students. Also lower interest rates for student loans and provide more scholarship opportunities for low-income students

 @8WDBKKS from Missouri  answered…5yrs5Y

Yes, they should increase the taxes on the rich and put it towards giving scholarships to kids that need it. Much larger scholarships than they already give out.

 @8VZ64C5 from Missouri  answered…5yrs5Y

Yes, but have government aid to help pay for tuition.

 @8VXMNNM from Missouri  answered…5yrs5Y

Only if it is a community college, but not four years maybe one.

 @8V2ZGBR from Missouri  answered…5yrs5Y

Materials like books should be provided and tuition should be cheaper but not free.

 @8T97GM6 from Missouri  answered…5yrs5Y

No, but pay for tuition for two years in technical trade schools

 @8SZVD6RDemocrat from Missouri  answered…5yrs5Y

No, but encourage/provide incentives for lowering tuition across the country to a more realistic number, one that more can afford.

 @8SDGRWW from Missouri  answered…5yrs5Y

The government should give colleges grants and other incentives to drastically lower tuition costs. Nobody should have lifelong debt for wanting an education.

 @8S8P862 from Missouri  answered…5yrs5Y

Yes, but only for partial tuition, and should be leaned more for lower class citizens.

 @8RKV5GT from Missouri  answered…5yrs5Y

the idea of college other than that used on specific jobs which are important should not exist.

 @8RJC5PG from Missouri  answered…5yrs5Y

Make college completely free, why should we pay and get into debt for a mediocre desk job

 @8RG54LQIndependent from Missouri  answered…5yrs5Y

Yes, but only if student gets good marks on classes, to give more drive for success

 @8QPVZ5T from Missouri  answered…5yrs5Y

Only society helping degree and technical programs. BS degrees should be eliminated.

 @8Q7KPTX from Missouri  answered…5yrs5Y

No, provide lower interest rates for all. Also provide Caucasian students with more scholarship opportunities to match POC

 @8Q5QS34 from Missouri  answered…5yrs5Y

Those who meet the requirements for the GI Bill.

 @8PNMSHY from Missouri  answered…6yrs6Y

Just lower the cost of college altogether and there you go, problem solved.

 @8P79BSQ from Missouri  answered…6yrs6Y

it should be free to the ones who actually deserve it.

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 @ISIDEWITH submitted…2yrs2Y

A Moment of Darkness': Washington Post's No-Endorsement Decision Ignites Media Firestorm

Even though the presidential race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is neck and neck, The Washington Post has decided not to make a presidential endorsement for the first time in 36 years, the publisher and CEO announced Friday."We are returning to our roots of not endorsing presidential candidates," Will Lewis wrote in an opinion piece published on the paper's website. He referenced the paper's policy in the decades prior to 1976, when, following the Watergate scandal that the Post broke, it endorsed Democratic nominee Jimmy Carter. The last time the Post did not endorse a presidential candidate in the general election was 1988, according to a search of its archives.Colleagues learned the news from the editorial page editor, David Shipley, at a tense meeting shortly before Lewis' announcement. The meeting was characterized by someone with direct knowledge of discussions on condition of anonymity to speak about internal matters.Shipley said that he told other editorial board leaders Thursday by management that there would be no endorsement, though he has known for weeks. He added that he "owns" this decision. The reason he cited was to create "independent space" where the newspaper does not tell people for whom to vote.Colleagues were said to be "shocked" and uniformly negative. Post corporate spokespeople have not responded to multiple messages left by NPR on the subject.Former Washington Post Executive Editor Martin Baron, who led the newsroom to acclaim during Trump's presidency, denounced the decision starkly."This is cowardice, a moment of darkness that will leave democracy as a casualty," Baron said in a statement to NPR. "Donald Trump will celebrate this as an invitation to further intimidate The Post’s owner, Jeff Bezos (and other media owners). History will mark a disturbing chapter of spinelessness at an institution famed for courage."A similar decision by Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong led this week to the resignations of the paper's editorials editor and two editorial board members. Soon-Shiong said that he had asked the editorial board to draft a "factual analysis" of Trump and Harris' policies and plans. In her resignation letter, editorials editor Mariel Garza said the decision made the paper look “craven and hypocritical,” given its past reporting and editorials on Trump.

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