University of St. Thomas President Rob Vischer recently wrote an op-ed for The Hill advocating for the continued federal funding of private higher education institutions. The piece is a response to a recent congressional bill proposing new fees on private institutions based on students’ post-graduation choices.
From the story:
A judicial clerkship doesn’t pay much, but many new law school grads pursue that job to get a foot in the door and move on to a more lucrative career.
But under a bill recently passed by the House of Representatives, this is just the type of job that colleges and universities would be punished for helping their graduates obtain.
That’s because House Republicans have resurrected a formula from the proposed but never passed College Cost Reduction Act. The formula would impose punitive fees, primarily on private colleges and universities, under the auspices of “risk-sharing,” based in part on their students taking low-income jobs after graduation. ...
Further, the plan penalizes programs that draw students who choose professions that do not offer massive paydays, such as teacher education and social work programs – and yes, even law schools, where many graduates begin their careers as judicial clerks, are punished for what any attorney recognizes as success. ...
Private universities deliver the best outcomes for Pell Grant recipients. They produce graduates with skills demanded by employers. They develop future business and community leaders. Private universities serve public purposes, especially when it comes to workforce development and economic mobility.
