President Biden's Education Finance Plans

[dismalist]

We all know that President Biden has plans to finance education. I bring it up now because there was apparently a press release a day or so ago.

One part of the plan is to make Community College free. That is noted in this news report, unfortunately along with many other things.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/meet-the-press/blog/meet-press-blog-latest-news-analysis-data-driving-political-discussion-n988541/ncrd1064061#blogHeader

Another part of the plan is to provide free tuition at four year colleges for those whose families earn under $125,000.

Of course, there are many more details, all given here https://joebiden.com/beyondhs/ It's work to wade through this, but worthwhile work. No, I am not yet finished wading. :-)

Anyway, one could favor or disfavor the general thrust and/or individual elements. There's plenty to chew on.

I don't disfavor redistribution, but I may disfavor specific ways of doing it.

Is this plan good, bad, ugly, or some of each?

[mahagonny]

It's a Christmas present for academics who have the real jobs, and probably little or no change for the majority ('contingent' faculty). What else would democrats do?

[Parasaurolophus]

We'll see what the concrete action brings, but this mostly seems OK. Many of you know a lot more about it all than I do, though.

Biden's plan would forgive outstanding student debt for those who have responsibly paid it back for 20 years. Those working jobs in "national or community service" like teaching or non-profits, would receive $10,000 student debt relief annually for up to five years for each year that they stay in that vocational job..

People making more than $25,000 would direct pay 5 percent of their discretionary income toward their loan, which is half of the current 10 percent cap. Those who make $25,000 or less would not be expected to pay back the government and would not accrue interest.

Isn't the first of these a reinstatement of something Trump cancelled? Or am I misremembering?

As for the second, it doesn't seem very good. For one thing, it's not especially progressive (5% at $25k is a significant amount of money, whereas at $100k it's relatively insignificant; it's also not clear what counts as 'discretionary'--is it just after taxes, or does it involve serious means-testing hoops to prove how much you pay in rent and food and stuff?)

[kaysixteen]

In Canada, is college of any kind free for any class of students by government policy?   Also, are there US-style 'community' or 'junior' colleges there?

[Parasaurolophus]

CEGEP in Québec is almost free. It's two years after high school and before university, and you need to attend it before going on to university (in the province, though, a bachelor's is officially a three-year degree). It's also the place you go to learn a trade.

We have a few public associate's-granting institutions here, yes. My university used to be one, until 12 years ago. Dunno how comparable they are to American CCs, but I think they're basically similar.

[marshwiggle]

In Canada, is college of any kind free for any class of students by government policy?   Also, are there US-style 'community' or 'junior' colleges there?

One of the main differences is terminology. In Canada, "college" refers to mainly vocational training, while "university" is for professional/academic training. Colleges give out diplomas; universities give out degrees. College cirricula are typically overseen by the province, while universities are more autonomous.

College tuition is typically lower than university tuition, and programs are usually shorter, 2 or 3 years is common.