Student Debt

Is free community college a solution?

Abstract

Since 2004, the average debt held by graduating college students has grown at double the inflation rate to $28,950, according to the Institute for College Access and Success. Democrats and Republicans alike agree that something must be done about the student debt problem, but the two sides differ on solutions. President Obama and many Democrats on the state and national levels propose making community college free. Many also seek more government aid for student borrowers. But conservatives warn that subsidies can backfire by driving up tuition and encouraging students to spend more time in college than necessary. Instead, some Republicans suggest giving student borrowers more flexibility to refinance their loans and thus find better deals.

locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles