Dick Riley: Clinton’s college plan good for students, good for S.C.

As governor, as U.S. education secretary and as a private citizen, I’ve always believed that education is intertwined with the economic future of our state and our country.

I agree with Hillary Clinton when she calls lifting incomes for everyday Americans the “central economic challenge of our time.” Education remains a cornerstone of the solution to address rising inequality, and for millions of Americans, a college degree is the best bet for higher wages and a better life.

Few serious solutions have been offered to tackle the underlying problem of rising college costs — a trend line approaching unsustainable territory. When I became the secretary of education in 1993, fewer than half of college students graduated with debt, owing an average of $9,450. Since then tuition rates have risen dramatically, and a majority of the class of 2015 graduated with debt, owing an average of $35,000.

Between 2004 and 2014, public colleges and universities raised in-state tuition and fees by 42 percent. We need strong leadership to reverse this trend, and Hillary Clinton’s New College Compact is a plan that will transform our higher education system.

During the recession, most states decreased their investment in higher education, leading to tuition hikes. Students and families have paid for this gap by taking out loans, which is not sustainable for the next generation of students. Clinton’s bold plan rewards states working with schools to cut costs and ensures that any person who works hard could attend a four-year public college without taking loans for tuition. It also provides tuition-free education at state technical schools and community colleges, where nearly half of S.C. students are enrolled. See details at hillaryclinton.com/collegeplan.

If we want South Carolina growing economically 20 years from now, we need all of our students ready to be part of our workforce. Half of our state’s jobs are middle-skilled and may require more than high school but less than a four-year degree. Hillary’s vision puts all of our young people on a path from high school graduation to a career or technical or college education.

These investments in education will move individuals out of poverty and help middle-class families get ahead and stay ahead. As someone who has seen Hillary Clinton in action, I know she’s a tenacious fighter for everyday families and won’t stop working until all families can have a fair shot at college.

This story was originally published August 17, 2015 at 6:00 PM with the headline "Dick Riley: Clinton’s college plan good for students, good for S.C.."