Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, both Democratic presidential hopefuls have countless campaign promises, both different and alike. As a upcoming college junior and a prospective graduate student, an issue I have to focus on is tuition costs. I have already decided to vote Democratic this year, but I'm still quite torn between the two candidates who continue to be distracted by childish name calling and bickering. While being leery of Clinton's feminist values and influential husband (yes, times were good, but I'd rather move forward not look back longingly), Obama remains inspiring. But this blog is not about inspiration or femi-nazis, its about whether the average American will be able to afford an undergraduate degree two years from now. Will I be able to afford to finish my senior year of college?
According to BarackObama.com, Obama has introduced his idea for the American Opportunity tax credit, that is fully refundable and will ensure the first $4000 of college tuition are free. It will also cover almost two-thirds of tuition costs at four year public colleges and universities and almost all of community college tuitions. Obama also plans to simplify the Federal Financial Aid filing process by providing a box that can be checked on annual tax forms relieving the burden of filling out twice as many complicated tax forms for students and their families. As a student dreading hours it takes to fill out the Federal Agency for Student Financial Aid forms, this seems almost as welcome as the tax credit, should Obama be elected.
Clinton plans to follow a similar route with a $3500 tax credit, but takes a turn on placing the responsibility of providing accurate and reasonably priced college educations on the college and universities themselves as stated on her campaign website, HillaryClinton.com. Clinton plans to invest in community colleges enabling them to offer better education programs. She plan to hold college costs down and hold individual education institutions accountable for accurate online tuition calculators and providing university jobs for students. The website also has information regarding Clinton's removal of the "red-tape" for financial aid, but leaves many details to be desired as with several other of her campaign promises.
Both candidates have so many issues to tackle before the election, it seems many promises lack the "umph" to make them a done deal once the candidate is in office. As an American I would love for health care to be improved and children having state of the art educations and every American have a job, but as a student I would hate to be left behind.
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
