Kamala Harris Breaks With The “College For All” Orthodoxy

On September 13, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a speech in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, advocating for a significant shift in higher education policy. She emphasized that the rising costs of college degrees and the burden of student loan debt, which exceeds $1.74 trillion, necessitate a reevaluation of the traditional belief that a college degree is essential for success. Harris pointed out that a majority of Americans, approximately 62%, do not hold a college degree, yet federal aid for higher education far surpasses funding for workforce development. The Vice President's proposal suggests that young Americans should have more choices regarding their career paths, recognizing that college is not the only route to success. She called for colleges and universities to take responsibility for controlling tuition costs and redesigning curricula to enable students to complete degrees in three years, potentially reducing tuition expenses by up to 25%. This approach aligns with practices in other countries and aims to alleviate the financial burden on students. Harris also proposed that future increases in student financial aid should be tied to actual reductions in tuition and fees, encouraging institutions to prioritize affordability. Additionally, she suggested that schools should reward students for prior academic achievements, such as AP exam scores, to facilitate smoother transitions into higher education. Overall, Harris's speech marks a pivotal moment in higher education policy, advocating for a more balanced approach that acknowledges the diverse pathways to success for young Americans while holding educational institutions accountable for their financial practices.