Gov. Tim Pawlenty unveiled his higher education proposal to provide Minnesota high school graduates free tuition for two years if they graduate in the top 25 percent. As a current student, I like making college more affordable, and other students agree. But we worry that this proposal provides no solution for the debt that we have acquired.
I am currently a student at Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Moorhead. studying to be an administrative assistant. I want to contribute to Minnesota's economy and society. However, I fear that this proposal is unfair. What happens if the next generation of students doesn't have debt, but current students can't even afford to pay our bills? The governor has provided a good first step, but we also need to take care of current students. Let me share some facts.
Over the past five years, tuition has risen 62 percent at Minnesota's state colleges and universities. Two-year college students pay the third highest rate in the nation to attend school. As tuition has increased, students take out more loans. In 1995, students at Minnesota state colleges and universities took out $154 million. By 2003 that number had increased by more than 100 percent to $312 million. These public colleges are supposed to be the most affordable higher education option, yet tuition and debt keep rising.
Now, don't get me wrong. I want to applaud the governor for bringing this proposal forward. I think it a bold step to find a solution to the higher education problems. I hope the governor will also remember the current students and graduates. Help us find relief. Don't just help one group. We all need support.
Thank you for your consideration.
