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Higher cost of higher education hurts U.S.
Space Daily ^ | July 23 , 2004 | United Press International

Posted on 07/26/2004 9:43:44 PM PDT by hedgetrimmer

Rising higher education costs are damaging the United States' ability to compete globally, especially in the areas of science and technology, according to experts who testified before the Senate Finance Committee Thursday.

Less student interest in the fields of science and math, and decreases in the number of doctorate degrees being awarded in science are also harmful, said panelists at the hearing. And the complexities of federal aid programs make it less likely those programs will be beneficial.

We either drive it [higher education] or we're going to be driven by the global competition, said Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, who chaired the hearing.

The hearing focused on the effect of federal tax incentives designed to lower the cost of higher education, which were implemented in the last several years. Among these are the Hope tax credit and the Lifetime Learning credit, which allow income tax deductions, for those who meet certain criteria, to offset tuition costs. Another is the 527 Plan, which allows families to save money that can later be withdrawn tax-free.

(Excerpt) Read more at spacedaily.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Culture/Society; Extended News; Government
KEYWORDS: globalcompetition; highereducation; impoverishingparents
Guess what Senators? Tax breaks are not going to lower the cost of higher education in any significant way.

We the people must stop the states from raising tuition and putting the money into the general fund.

In California the parents of college bound children are being looted. Every year for the last few years tuitions have gone up from 9 to 15%. This increase is laid on parents and paying students because they are the least likely to give up their education in protest. It is a dirty rotten trick, and the Senators are disingenous to say a tax break will fix the problem.

1 posted on 07/26/2004 9:43:45 PM PDT by hedgetrimmer
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To: hedgetrimmer

Meanwhile, over in Germany, students protest university fee increases. Also, in eastern Europe, private, fee-based higher education is growing and doing well. From what I am hearing, the future is not so certain for European "cheap" higher education.


2 posted on 07/26/2004 10:00:39 PM PDT by Baby Bear
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To: hedgetrimmer

Right you are, Hedgetrimmer. Why on earth do college tuition costs consistently exceed the rate of inflation? They have for years! Where is the money going? Is that it? The general fund? I would like to hear a complete answer to that, and so would a lot of people.


3 posted on 07/26/2004 10:01:06 PM PDT by henderson field
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To: hedgetrimmer

"Higher cost of higher education hurts U.S."

BUT IT'S CHEAPER FOR ILLEGALS!!! Gee, political correctness is really making this country "stronger".


4 posted on 07/26/2004 10:03:38 PM PDT by Stellar Dendrite
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To: Stellar Dendrite

Here many tuition increases are so the university can provide "scholarships" to the so-called indigent. A student working their way through college actually has to pay more to provide a lazier student their free education. They should eliminate the scholarships and financial aid --- let students go to a bank or their parents for a loan if they don't want to work. At least college would be more affordable for those willing to pay their own way.


5 posted on 07/26/2004 10:33:38 PM PDT by FITZ
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To: hedgetrimmer

This article is absolutely false. The tuition costs have risen, but the financial assistance has risen. College is the cheapest it's been in years.


6 posted on 07/26/2004 10:37:17 PM PDT by Jeff Chandler (Do Chernobyl restaurants serve Curied chicken?)
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To: Jeff Chandler

Why not lower both --- to me it seems very unfair that the students working their way through --- not seeking financial aid -- have a double burden placed on them --- they pay more tuition so others can pay less.


7 posted on 07/26/2004 10:47:23 PM PDT by FITZ
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To: FITZ
"They should eliminate the scholarships and financial aid

No..they should eliminate the Dept. of Education.

8 posted on 07/26/2004 11:04:35 PM PDT by Windsong (FighterPilot)
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To: hedgetrimmer; henderson field
Has it ever occurred to you guys that not EVERYONE should get a college education?

This froma guy, btw, who has $65K in Grad School loans that need to be paid.

9 posted on 07/26/2004 11:36:27 PM PDT by Clemenza
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To: henderson field

Where is the money going?

The money is going to pay for the education (indoctrination) of illegal (undocumented) students, that's where.


10 posted on 07/27/2004 6:43:08 AM PDT by taxed2death (A few billion here, a few trillion there...we're all friends right?)
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To: Jeff Chandler
This article is absolutely false. The tuition costs have risen, but the financial assistance has risen. College is the cheapest it's been in years.

Perhaps for private universities (where most people don't pay the "sticker price.") At public colleges, the vast majority of financial aid goes to those with verified "financial need." Parents are basically expected to spend down their retirement savings to pay for college if they don't qualify (and it's not that difficult not to qualify, if you have any non-401K savings, aren't in debt, and aren't paying alimony/child support.)

11 posted on 07/27/2004 7:15:27 AM PDT by valkyrieanne
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