In recent years, the issue of free college has become a hotly debated topic in the United States. Many young Americans are burdened with student loan debt, and the idea of free higher education has gained traction as a solution to this problem. President Joe Biden has been a vocal supporter of the free college movement, and his administration has taken steps to raise the profile of this issue.
Biden’s support for free college can be traced back to his time as Vice President during the Obama administration. In 2015, he proposed a plan to make two years of community college tuition-free for all students. While this proposal did not ultimately become law, it laid the foundation for Biden’s continued advocacy for free college.
During his presidential campaign, Biden made free college a central part of his platform. He proposed making four-year public colleges and universities tuition-free for families earning less than $125,000 per year. This plan would also include free tuition for students attending historically black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions. Biden’s plan also includes increasing funding for Pell Grants and investing in workforce training programs.
Since taking office, Biden has taken steps to fulfill his campaign promise of making higher education more accessible and affordable. In his first days in office, he signed an executive order extending the pause on federal student loan payments until the end of September 2021. This move provides much-needed relief for millions of borrowers struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Biden has also included provisions for free college in his proposed infrastructure and economic recovery packages. These plans aim to invest in education and training programs that will help displaced workers gain new skills and re-enter the workforce. By prioritizing investments in education, Biden hopes to create a more equitable society where all individuals have the opportunity to succeed.
The Biden administration’s focus on free college has raised the profile of this issue and brought it to the forefront of national discussions on higher education. While some critics argue that free college is too expensive and unsustainable, supporters believe that it is a necessary investment in the future of America’s workforce.
As the debate over free college continues, it is clear that President Joe Biden has played a significant role in raising the profile of this movement. By advocating for free higher education and taking concrete steps to make it a reality, Biden is working to create a more equitable and accessible education system for all Americans.