Thursday, September 4, 2003 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 ousiaious 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.
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