Don’t penalize large families in higher education policy
Our Nation’s Higher Education System: In Need of Urgent Reform
Our nation’s higher education system is in dire need of fundamental reform. It has not only lost the faith of the public but also relies on constant fraudulent bailouts from the federal government. Moreover, it fails to adequately prepare students for the jobs available in today’s rapidly evolving economy.
The Urgency for Reform
The unfortunate reality is that the political consensus required to reform our higher education system is still years away. However, in the meantime, it is crucial for Congress to take action and prevent the current system from deteriorating further. Regrettably, recent changes to federal student aid programs not only demonstrate negligent implementation but also actively penalize families with more than one child. This ill-advised policy comes at a time when our nation’s fertility rate is already declining.
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The Impact of Recent Changes
The Higher Education Act of 1965 authorizes various student aid programs, with the largest ones currently providing $112 billion in direct loans and $26 billion in Pell Grants annually. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid Simplification Act, passed as part of a comprehensive spending bill in 2020, aimed to streamline the application process for aid from the Department of Education. However, President Joe Biden’s mishandling of the rollout has caused significant stress and wasted time for families across the country. Originally promised to be available on December 1, the rollout was delayed until late December, and even now, it is only accessible for a few hours a day and frequently experiences technical issues.
The Biden administration’s focus on implementing its illegal college debt amnesty has led to a complete neglect of the legally mandated overhaul of the application process.
Punishing Large Families
Putting aside Biden’s incompetence, the new financial formula mandated by Congress unnecessarily penalizes large families precisely when our country needs them to reverse our demographic decline.
Under the previous FAFSA system, a family’s ability to pay for college was determined by an “Expected Family Contribution” formula, which considered the family’s income, assets, and cost of living. This EFC number was then divided by the number of children in college at that time. For example, if a family of four could afford to spend $30,000, once both children were in college, the EFC number for each child would be $15,000.
However, the new FAFSA system replaces the EFC with the ”Student Aid Index” (SAI). While the SAI still considers income, assets, cost of living, and family size, it no longer allows families to divide the final SAI by each child in college.
As a result, a family of four may have a slightly lower SAI for their children compared to a family of three, say $30,000 instead of $34,000. However, the family of four is expected to pay $30,000 for each child. This new system systematically penalizes large families for every additional child they send to college.
The Importance of Large Families
In a world where individuals are seen as disconnected from families, the new system may seem logical. However, conservatives understand that we are not isolated beings but rather part of families and communities. These communities thrive when they consist of large families.
Encouraging, Not Punishing, Large Families
If anything, the federal government should be encouraging large families, not punishing them. Larger families contribute to larger and younger populations, which are essential for dynamism and economic growth.
Immediate Congressional Action
Congress must act swiftly to rectify the SAI formula, ensuring that it does not penalize the large families our nation needs to continue growing.
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How can the current higher education system be reformed to encourage population growth and support families in pursuing higher education for their children?
Needs to encourage population growth. Under the new formula, families with more than one child are forced to allocate a larger portion of their income towards education expenses, leaving them with less financial flexibility for other necessities. This is a significant barrier for families who are already struggling to make ends meet and discourages them from pursuing higher education for their children.
Furthermore, this punitive policy fails to acknowledge the importance of family dynamics and the unique challenges that larger families face. It is unfair to punish families for their size and hinder their ability to access higher education opportunities. Our nation should be focused on creating an inclusive and supportive education system that fosters equal opportunities for all students, regardless of family size.
Preparation for the Job Market
Another critical issue with our higher education system is its failure to adequately prepare students for the jobs available in today’s rapidly evolving economy. The traditional university model remains focused on theoretical learning and often neglects the practical skills required to thrive in the modern workforce. As a result, many graduates find themselves inadequately equipped to enter the job market.
To address this, we need a shift in focus towards vocational and technical education. Programs that emphasize hands-on training, internships, and apprenticeships can provide students with the practical skills and experience necessary for success in the job market. We must also encourage collaboration between educational institutions and industry leaders to ensure that curriculum and training align with industry demands.
A Call for Action
The urgency for reform in our nation’s higher education system cannot be overstated. Without immediate action, we risk further deterioration of the system and limited opportunities for future generations. It is imperative for Congress to prioritize this issue and engage in meaningful discussions to craft comprehensive reform that addresses the current shortcomings.
Reform should focus on simplifying the financial aid process, eliminating punitive policies that penalize large families, and promoting vocational and technical education. By doing so, we can create a higher education system that is accessible, inclusive, and equips students with the skills needed to succeed in today’s economy.
Our nation’s future depends on the quality and accessibility of higher education. Let us work together to enact the necessary reforms and ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
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