Hillary Clinton Campaign: 'New College Compact' Plan Aimed at Making College Affordable
ByHoping to move back into the White House, Hillary Clinton formally unveiled her college affordability plan, named the New College Compact.
According to Politico, the proposal calls for $350 billion over 10 years, paying for tuition and lowering interest rates on student loans. The website noted Clinton's plan borrows from a similar one her husband and former President crafted, and would also continue President Obama's work to make college more affordable and accessible.
Coinciding with college summer sessions ending a the fall semester nearly underway, Clinton plans to discuss the New College Compact at campaign stops in New Hampshire Monday and Tuesday. Politico also pointed out that the college affordability plan could be a way for Clinton to secure an endorsement from Obama, who once employed her as his Secretary of State.
CNN summarized their review of an outline of the New College Compact provided them as such: "The basis of Clinton's college promises include vowing that students will be able to attend in-state public colleges or universities 'without ever having to take out a loan for tuition.'"
Clinton is also planning to continue working toward making community college free for qualified students, an initiative Obama started during his second term, CNN reported. Clinton also wants to make income-based repayment for those who do need to take out student loans the default payment plan.
The favorite for the Democratic nomination in the 2016 Presidential Election, Clinton has been building toward the New College Compact reveal. The Associated Press reported she has emphasized student loan debt and college affordability during he campaigning. She even consulted Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), an outspoken advocate for student loan reform, among other policy makers for the proposal.
As she told a crowd at Kirkland Community College in Monticello, Iowa in April, "There's something wrong when students and their families have to go deeply into debt to be able to get the education and skills they need in order to make the best of their own lives."