how I see higher education in the future

In today's technology and information based economy, getting a high quality postsecondary education is more important than ever. For many Americans, it is the key to the American dream.

Let me tell you how I see higher education in the future. I would hope men and women, young and old, will have access to postsecondary education when they need it. Some would go to college for undergraduate or graduate degrees. Others would choose to go to school or go back to school for much shorter periods of time in order to improve or upgrade their skills for a better job and a better future. Many could just take a class or two from home over the Internet. But I want to see every American who so chooses, to have the option of receiving a quality education at an affordable price.

As you know, the Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education, Training and Life-Long Learning has already begun the process of reauthorizing the Higher Education Act, which will provide $35 billion in student financial aid this year alone. We've been holding hearings around the country on the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act and the consistent questions we get from students and parents are "why is college so expensive and why are college prices rising so quickly?"

However, my interest in higher education goes well beyond the role I play as Chairman of that subcommittee. I am a parent and a grandparent. I know students who are pursuing or will pursue a postsecondary education. I have constituents, students and parents, who are worried about their ability to afford a college education.

Historically, the cost of getting a postsecondary education has increased at a rate slightly above the cost of living. However, a recent GAO report tells us that over the last 15 years the price of attending a 4-year public college has increased 234%, while the median household income has risen by only 82%, and the CPI only 74%. A recent survey of college freshman found that concern over college affordability is at a 30-year high. Parents and students across the country are understandably worried about the rising cost of higher education. In order to control the cost of obtaining a postsecondary education, parents, students, and policy makers must work together with colleges and universities to slow tuition inflation, or for many Americans, college will become unaffordable.

That is not to say that there are not affordable schools. There are still some affordable schools and there are college presidents who are committed to keeping costs low. There are schools that are trying very innovative things to reduce tuition prices.

However, the trend in higher education pricing is truly alarming. This trend is especially alarming in that it only seems to apply to higher education. There are many endeavors and many businesses that must keep pace with changing technologies and federal regulations. However, in order to stay affordable to their customers and stay competitive in the market, they manage to hold cost increases to a reasonable level.

The legislation we are considering today will establish a commission on the cost of higher education. This commission will have a very short life-span. Over a four month period, the commission will study the reasons why tuitions have risen so quickly and dramatically, and report on what schools, the Administration, and the Congress can do to stabilize or reduce tuitions.

There is a great deal of conflicting information floating around the country with respect to college costs. This commission will be comprised of seven individuals with expertise in business and business cost reduction programs, economics, and education administration. Their job will be to analyze this information and give us a true picture of why costs continue to outpace inflation and what can be done to stop this trend.

Members of the commission will be appointed by the House and Senate Leadership and the Secretary of Education. The commission will have four months to perform its duties. The commission will then sunset within two months of finishing its job. The Cost for this commission will not exceed $650,000.

Mr. Chairman, as I noted earlier, this year we will be reauthorizing the Higher Education Act, which will provide $35 billion this year alone in Federal student financial aid. As we go through this process, our goals will be to:
Make higher education more affordable;
Simplify the student aid system; and
Stress academic quality.

In order to update and improve the Higher Education Act in a way that truly helps parents and students, a thorough understanding of tuition trends will be essential. HR 1511 will give us that information, and shed light on a topic which is of the utmost concern to our constituents. I urge my colleagues to join me in this effort, and I urge the Committee to favorably report HR 1511.