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The
House Republicans Rip Into Colleges in Scathing Report on College-Cost
'Crisis'
By JEFFREY SELINGO
Washington
The rising cost of a higher education has spawned a "crisis,"
according to a report scheduled to be released today by Congressional
Republicans. The document contains a blistering attack on colleges for
blaming a recent surge in tuition rates on state budget cuts and tough
economic times.
The report, "The College Cost Crisis," was prepared by Republican
members of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education
and the Workforce. It provides a preview of what is likely to become
the central theme in a contentious battle between federal lawmakers
and colleges in the coming months as Congress considers legislation
to renew the Higher Education Act, the law that governs most federal
student-aid programs.
Throughout the 20-page report, its authors paint a picture of a troubled
higher-education system that is pricing a college degree out of the
reach of more and more students and that fails to adequately answer
the concerns of parents, students, and lawmakers.
"The ongoing college cost explosion is a disturbing trend, and
one that cannot be allowed to continue," the report states. "An
examination of the college cost crisis is a necessary step for any legitimate
higher education reform efforts."
David Schnittger, a spokesman for the education committee, said on Wednesday
that the report, which had been in the works for some time, was not
meant to "bash" colleges. Rather, he said, its purpose was
to "call attention to the problems parents and students are facing,
and the need for greater accountability and transparency in college
tuition hikes." After all, Mr. Schnittger said, parents, students,
and taxpayers are the "victims" of rising college costs, and
"it's about time members of Congress began paying attention to
their needs."
In particular, the report questions whether state-budget cuts and the
poor economy are the root causes of significant tuition jumps in some
states. The report notes that in 2002-3, 38 states either increased
appropriations for higher education or froze spending, yet tuition rose
at public four-year colleges in all 50 states.
"The facts show tuition increases have persisted regardless of
circumstances, such as the economy or state funding, and have far outpaced
inflation year after year, regardless of whether the economy has been
stumbling or thriving," the report says.
College lobbyists, who for the most part received copies of the report
only late Wednesday afternoon, reacted swiftly to its conclusions. David
Ward, president of the American Council on Education, called the analysis
"unfortunate" and said that it "almost closes the door
on a dialogue on how to address the problem."
Mr. Ward, a former chancellor of the University of Wisconsin at Madison,
took issue with the conclusion that state-budget cuts have no effect
on tuition increases. "That runs against common sense," he
said.
Travis Reindl, director of state-policy analysis at the American Association
of State Colleges and Universities, said the report failed to account
for the fact that, in many states, governing boards appointed by the
governor and the legislature set tuition rates at public colleges. "The
majority of public institutions aren't even setting their own tuition,"
he said.
Even so, Republicans in Congress feel they have found an issue that
resonates with voters. The report notes that students and parents are
"losing patience" with tuition increases, and it cites public-opinion
polls that found Americans believe that "wasteful spending"
by colleges is the top
reason for skyrocketing college costs.
While the report does not propose any specific solutions to rising tuition
costs, it is likely to set the stage for several pieces of legislation.
One proposal would penalize colleges that raise their prices beyond
a certain point. That bill is expected to be introduced by U.S. Rep.
Howard P. (Buck) McKeon, the California Republican who heads the House
subcommittee with jurisdiction over higher-education issues. Under the
plan, colleges that increased their cost of attendance by twice the
rate of inflation or more for two years in a row would face penalties,
including a possible loss of eligibility to participate in federal student-aid
programs.
ALSO SEE:
The full text of the Congressional analysis is available here
[http://chronicle.com/prm/weekly/documents/v50/i03/collegecosts.pdf].
It can
be viewed using Adobe Reader, available free.
A state-by-state chart of average tuition costs and other financial
data, from The Chronicle Almanac 2003-4. [http://chronicle.com/prm/weekly/almanac/2003/nation/0101001.htm]
Background articles, a special report, and a searchable database on
tuition and fees. [http://chronicle.com/indepth/tuition/]
Articles and other documents on the Higher Education Act. [http://chronicle.com/indepth/hea/]
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