About the Beat

It is no secret the United States’ economy is in a recession. What has also become apparent in the past few years is that public education is one of the first items on the chopping block when budgets are reconstructed. The effects are felt at every level of the education system from elementary, middle and high schools to the state universities. Cuts to education budgets have been in the news for decades, and with each slash the results become more magnified. As a result, students and families have been taking on a larger financial obligation, especially at the collegiate level.
Now, with hard times falling upon more and more families, the decreased affordability of education is taking a more dramatic toll. That can even be seen in primary and secondary schooling. Private schools are becoming less of an option for Americans and that not only makes it more difficult for the schools losing enrollment to operate, but puts a larger burden on the already-stretched public schools those children are entering.
Another part of the education system that is taking a hit due to the economy is scholarships and financial aid. College tuition nowadays is a small fortune even at a state school, and there is less money being provided to help offset the cost for potential students. There are also more people applying for financial aid and scholarships than ever before because of the worsened economy, further compounding the problem.
As a student at Washington State University, I see first-hand the consequences these drastic budget cuts are having on our school, but we are not alone. As unbelievable as it sounds, it is even worse in some places and those nation-wide issues can offer a glimpse at what may be in store for this region. Follow me as I explore what happens in the education realm during the next four months and how it may affect the Northwest.
Please direct any questions or comments to mwalsh88@wsu.edu.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Legislative Story

Washington State University officials have kicked around a lot of potential solutions for the anticipated monumental budget cuts. One idea, though not popular with administration or students, is a hike in tuition.

A proposed bill in the state legislation would essentially let new college students opt out of the tuition increases.

Senate Bill 5174 has an underlying goal of, "Providing an incentive to improve on-time graduation rates at institutions of higher education."

If passed, the bill will give prospective students the option to enter an agreement with a public college that would allow the student to pay the same tuition for the duration of their schooling as long as they complete their degree in the timetable agreed upon.

Here is the bill summary: "Students who enter into student progression understandings pay the same operating fees as they did for their initial term. If a student does not obtain the certificate or degree in the time established in the understanding, the student must pay the difference in
operating fee increases, with interest. If the failure to obtain the certificate or degree is due
to the institution's failure to perform under the understanding, the student does not have to
pay the difference."

I would look to contact one or more of the 10 senators on the bill, an admissions officer at WSU and a college counselor at Pullman High as well as some students.
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