Obama's plans for College Tuition

[Professor_Adam]

I don't advocate free tuition. But I think it's important to give people incentives to chase after their own American dream. That's why I think military service is so great. It's tough to beat the GI BILL and tuition assistance. Obama's plan also includes community service. We're also talking about a tax credit here. It's not cash up front. There are stipulations as well. It's not a handout per se.

That said I completely agree that it's not really fair that Harvard has this gigantic endowment and yet still raises tuition. I've never understood this practice. Remember though the money does belong to the institution and much of it came from alums and former alums, so how can the government really dictate what they do with it? The people who gave the money should have put more stipulations on its use. Like perhaps to offset tuition increases -- but obviously that's not really what happens.

Tenured professors. This is another thorny issue. I don't see this one going away, at least not until they all die.

Textbooks. The sale of textbooks is clearly capitalism at its best (or worst.) They are charging a price that is in line with the demand that exists. The books are also extremely expensive to manufacture. Even the ebooks are very expensive -- if for no other reason than publishers' fear of cannibalizing their hardcover textbook sales.

So many issues here and so little time.

[peace123]

Historically when the economy is bad, student enrollment numbers increase (I used to work at a university). However, since tuition costs have skyrocketed so much since our last serious economic downturn, I'm not sure that will be the case this time.

I agree that historically when the economy is bad , student enrollment increases. I think you will definitely see numbers increase at state schools as people leave public schools they can no longer afford. Or as incoming students pick state schools over private.

I think this might be different this time around do to the fact the financial industry is tightening up on their loan criteria.

I think it is going to get harder for people to get private loans for education then it was in the past.
( But that is just my take on it from independent reading.)

[Professor_Adam]

Others have expressed this sentiment more eloquently than I am about to, but here's my concern:

Human nature being what it is, it is difficult, and for most people impossible, to value something you have not earned. If you save all your nickels for a year and buy a bicycle--that bicycle has much more value than the one your parents bought for you. The bicycle that was earned is certain to be more greatly appreciated, will be better maintained and protected and, overall, will just have greater meaning. Anyone think I'm wrong?

Now, you might say that you were always appreciative of gifts and valued them--and maybe you were. I promise you that you are the exception to the rule.

You also might say that the education credits are, in fact, "earned" by successfully completing school and completing the community service. Maybe. However, currently people have to cough up big money or go into debt to obtain traditional college degrees--particularly Bachelors and up. So, since they are bearing the costs themselves (now or later) we should expect a good result. People should be motivated to work extra hard and finish, right? If the statistics are to be believed, that's not the case. Graduation rates are laughably low. Are they running out of money? Maybe some are--but I suspect most are running out of patience, desire, discipline and determination. Do you think having the government subsidize higher education to this extent will restore patience, desire, discipline and determination?

It's interesting to see so many forum members express views that are clearly conservative in nature. Did everybody here forget to vote back in November? :eek:

[creationstory]

It's interesting to see so many forum members express views that are clearly conservative in nature. Did everybody here forget to vote back in November? :eek:

lol, most military are conservative and, or republican. the swing states are where the votes of conservatives mattered and it was in those states that Obama won the election. Remember in the popular vote.. Obama won with 55 million to 45 or so million ..

[cbrchris]

Remember in the popular vote.. Obama won with 55 million to 45 or so million ..

Obama - 66,882,230 53%
McCain - 58,343,671 46%

Source: President - Election Center 2008 - Elections & Politics from CNN.com

[creationstory]

Obama - 66,882,230 53%
McCain - 58,343,671 46%

Source: President - Election Center 2008 - Elections & Politics from CNN.com

alright no one is perfect.. i didn't get the exact number but........ it wasn't a great difference in votes that obama won by...

[Timcoinc]

Farmerboy would get my vote when he runs for President !!!

I have no experience with financial aid so can't speak to that side of it. But, free college for everyone!? What are we thinking? It’s not free; we the American taxpayers will be funding this along with the enormous bailout. Also, no one is entitled to anything except their basic freedoms as laid out in the Bill of Rights. The suggestion of funding this through taxing of the rich is nothing less than communism and the redistribution of the wealth. The sad part is many if not most Americans feel the same way. I'm not attacking anyone personally but I just find it sad that we so easily dismiss our freedoms for handouts from the government.

Farmerboy

[Farmerboy]

One never knows what lies ahead! Thanks Timcoinc!

[categ]

DC67/Farmerboy '12. Send DC to DC!

[Old Rusty Pipe]

Active duty liberal who voted for Obama here. It was a close race (relatively speaking), but a greater difference in comparison to the past two pervious elections. The military is as diverse as anything else.

As to the planned changes to the education system, I'm definitely watching it closely. I appreciate the opportunities I get because of being in the military, but education should be more accessible to everyone. This definitely isn't the lifestyle for everyone.

May you live in interesting times. One hell of a curse there...