The now-President Barack Obama campaigned on a platform of change amidst a difficult economy with a struggling job market and education system. While he and his opponent, Sen. John McCain, wooed voters of all types, Obama had a distinct edge in one key group: college students.

According to MSNBC, post-election polling conducted by the non-partisan group CIRCLE showed that college age voters preferred Obama over McCain 68 percent to 30 percent, the widest margin since this type of polling began. While experts cite a number of reasons the President ranked so well among college voters, perhaps his emphasis on higher education reform struck a major chord.

President Obama’s Higher Education Agenda in a Nutshell

According to his White House statement on education, President Obama believes our nation’s economic competitiveness depends on the quality of our education, pledging to help the United States have the “highest proportion of students graduating from college in the world by 2020.”

According to the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, President Obama hopes to accomplish this goal through legislative reform addressing the following:

• College Affordability
• Access to Higher Education
• Fiscal Sustainability for Public Colleges and Universities
• College-Based Research Funding
• Support for Two-Year College Programs

Setting an ambitious goal is one thing; achieving it quite another. What has President Obama actually done to reform higher education to date?

Key Obama Legislation Affecting College Students

Though less than 2 years into his term, President Obama has enacted a number of changes to higher education. Here are the most significant.

1. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009

Passed in February, 2009, this $787 billion stimulus package was designed to create jobs and boost consumer spending. It included the following provisions addressing President Obama’s overall goals for higher education reform:

Focus: College Affordability

The ARRA established The American Opportunity Tax Credit, a national tax credit allowing up to $2500 of college expenses, including tuition, fees, and course materials. Up to $1000 is refundable, so those who do not owe taxes will receive a rebate. This credit set through 2011, but is expected to become permanent. In his 2010 State of the Union address, President Obama also pledged to extend application of the credit from 2 years of college to 4 years, though legislation has not yet been proposed.

Focus: Fiscal Sustainability for Public Colleges and Universities

The ARRA also established State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, which provides funds to states in order to counteract education cuts tied to the poor economy.

Focus: College-Based Research Funding

The ARRA provided colleges and universities with billions in research funding, including:

• $10 billion for the National Institutes of Health
• $3 billion for the National Science Foundation
• $2 billion for the Department of Energy
• $580 million for the National Institute of Standards and Technology
• $280 million for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

2. The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA)

Signed into law by in March, 2010, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA) was a key part of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. The SAFRA included a number of major provisions related to President Obama’s education goals.

Focus: College Affordability

The SAFRA eliminated the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP), a program which allowed private banks to service student loans backed by the US government. These loans will now be serviced by government’s Direct Loan Program, a change the National Association for College Admission Counseling notes will save $61 billion over the next 10 years.

These funds will be redirected to students by increasing the Federal Pell Grant Award from $5550 to $5975 by 2017. Starting in 2013, the award will also be indexed at the Consumer Price index and increase with cost-of-living. The SAFRA also expands the Federal Perkins Loan Program to include more colleges and universities.

Focus: Access to Higher Education

The SAFRA provides $3 billion over 5 years to the College Access and Completion Initiative Program, which focuses on retraining and graduating more college and university students. An additional $750 million is slated to provide additional college access and completion support to students, including additional funds to the College Access Grant Program.

Focus: Supporting 2-Year College Programs

The SAFRA founded what’s known as the American Graduation Initiative, authorizing the program to assist low income and non-traditional college students in completing 2-year college degree programs. The Act also creates a grant program designed to expand online learning opportunities for students preparing for postsecondary education.

SAFRA also includes $2.5 billion in grant funds to states for the construction, modernization, renovation, or repair of community college facilities.

Budget Proposals for Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011

According to USA Today, President Obama dedicates a sizable portion of his national budget to higher education, distinguishing him from predecessors who focused primarily on K-12 education. Highlights include:

• Increasing the maximum Federal Perkins Loan award each year and a proposed $6 billion Perkins fund in 2011

• A 5-year, $2.5 billion fund to improve college success and completion among disadvantaged students; States could use a portion of the funds for college outreach programs.

The Bottom Line for College Students

It’s no secret that higher education or career training improves salary and advancement. President Obama’s higher education reforms to date improve college accessibility and affordability overall, an important note in a sluggish job market. While more than two years remain in his first term, the ongoing economic recession may limit future education initiatives, so consider investing in your education now rather than later.

Aimee Hosler

Aimee Hosler is a freelance journalist specializing in career- and education-focused topics. The self-described political junkie minored in political science and media law while studying journalism at California State Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo.

Sources:
Youth vote may have been key in Obama’s win
Education | The White House
The Recovery Act
Obama aims high for higher education – USATODAY.com • Feb 26, 2009
President’s Budget – Overview

Getting Started

Applying to college can be nerve wracking! If you are still in high school, there is all of the pressure of the SATs and the competition amongst your classmates. If you are a non-traditional applicant, meaning you have waited some time to begin your college career, there are all of the doubts associated with trying something new and changing your life. Put your fears aside. You can do it.

Applying to Four Year Institutions

The College Board, who administers the SAT exam, recommends applying to at least 15 schools. This is a great tip if you would like to pursue a four-year degree. The key is to cast a wide net. Apply to schools with programs you admire, or that employ professors that you would like to work with. Get online and check out each school’s website.

Other Options

If you are a non-traditional student, you might not be able to just pick up and live wherever you get the best offer. You might have work and/or family to consider, in which case it is a good idea to begin to look at local options. Why not start at a community college? This is a great way to get your general education requirements completed, and often at a lower price than at a major university.

Online Options

A great option for all students, no matter how old you are or where you live, is online education. Courses in every subject are available through a number of schools. These courses can help you begin your education, and even complete it.

Better Late Than Never, Right?

There are few true things in life, but one of them is that it is never too late to get an education. In fact, if you are what is called a non-traditional student, or someone who has waited some time before entering college, it is important that you understand that going back to school is a positive and constructive next step, no matter your age.

Where Do I Begin?

You might be asking yourself this question. In order to get the answer, you should ask yourself a few more questions.

• • Am I willing to move for school, or do I want to attend locally?

• • What kind of degree do I want?

• • What area of study will I pursue?

Choosing a Campus

This decision is based on your answers to the questions listed above. If you are willing to move for school, you can cast a wide net, especially if you would like to pursue a four year degree. If you want to stay in your local area, a good place to start your education might be at a community college. You can get all of your general requirements there, and graduate with an associate’s degree. With this, you can re-join the workforce with your new skills, or keep going at a four-year institution.

How Do I Pay For School?

If you ever served in the military, you probably qualify for education benefits. You might also ask if your current job has a tuition reimbursement program. Otherwise, apply for guaranteed student loans and grants in order to finance your education.