One thing I haven’t thought about until now is the upcoming 2008 election and higher education. I have lightly listened to the debates and thought about who I would possibly vote for, but never on the basis of higher education. The only progress I made was sticking to the democrats and listening to their stances. However, now that I think about this it is ironic, since higher education is currently all I eat, breathe, and sleep.
After doing a little research it seems as though college students appear to be unanimously in favor of Barack Obama. This was found out by surveys that were conducted earlier this month by researchers at Quinnipiac University.They found that Democratic voters in Ohio and Pennsylvania more likely to favor Obama over Clinton if they have a college degree. So I had to ask why…
After doing a little research it seems as though college students appear to be unanimously in favor of Barack Obama. This was found out by surveys that were conducted earlier this month by researchers at Quinnipiac University.They found that Democratic voters in Ohio and Pennsylvania more likely to favor Obama over Clinton if they have a college degree. So I had to ask why…
What I found was that the candidates have been appearing before large college campus audiences, and repeatedly telling them of their plans to help boost student financial aid. Also, Obama has proposed an annual tax credit worth $4,000 to cover the costs of tuition and fees. Thus upping Clinton’s suggested figure of $3,500. However, her campaign advisors complain that Obama has been stealing their ideas.
Also, Clinton’s daughter, Chelsea, has said to be bidding the price of campus support even higher. An appearance at the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, showed that Chelsea Clinton had reportedly told students that her mother planned to “double” the value of the Pell Grant, which is the main federal subsidy for low-income students. The maximum Pell Grant is currently $4,731. However, Clinton’s own web site speaks only of a plan to increase its value, without making a specific commitment on size.
I feel like through all these debate issues both candidates seem just to be trying to “up” each other. Overall, Barack seems to be winning over the college crowds. Personally, I feel these two candidates generally seem to have the same thoughts. However, no one will know if they are telling the truth until one takes office and holds true to their word.
3 comments:
I agree, Clinton and Obama have VERY similar ideas about how to improve the cost of higher ed. but they each say very little about improving institutions or curriculum, or even retention rates at colleges and universities. Some of these things may not be the job of the president but they are still important. I think that they should give a student more money (in financial aid) for each year that they stay in college, as an incentive.
Isn't the future of the country the job of the president? and isn't education the future?
Veronica - you're point reminds me of this, yet again.
I agree with you on the fact, that no one know the truth until the 'winner' takes office, whom ever he/she may be. But since we don't have a crystal ball and can not judge the true intentions of the man/woman we must rely on our instincts, the few that we have.
Has anyone even really consider what both candidates are saying? It might not matter to the students who parents are paying for this ride down educational lane, but for those of us who have to pay for our selves, and those who know and understand that their parent(s) are struggling to make this happen for them, understand this. Obama & Clinton has proposed an annual tax credit worth $? dollars to cover the costs of tuition and fees. Well that does nothing for the poor and working class poor struggling to pay for higher education. Tax credits come at the end of the year, its the amount deducted from what is your fair share of the tax bill, based on your earnings the previous year. Well for those who have no savings, to use to pay for college, how will that help in the first year? If you are barely making ends meet, a tax credit may keep you from owing uncle sam, and even give you a refund, but will it pay Chatham's $20,000/semester tuition bill? I don't think so.
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