College Cost
The rising cost of a college degree is a popular discussion topic on Capitol Hill, in the media, and on the presidential campaign trail.
Independent colleges and universities are taking steps to expand educational opportunities to all students, while maintaining academic quality and institutional mission.
Recently, lawmakers have focused on promoting increased institutional “skin in the game” and enhanced risk-sharing provisions, as a means to discourage colleges from raising tuition. Others have suggested providing institutional aid to all public colleges. It is likely that these ideas will be thoroughly debated as Congress turns to the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.
College cost was a major theme of the 2016 presidential election, with the greatest attention on the Democratic side through varying proposals for free public college. President Trump has said he will reconsider the tax-exempt status of colleges and universities with large endowments that do not take steps to lower the cost of college. He also cited administrative bloat, as a driver of college costs, as something that institutions need to address.