Historically, America’s working families have turned to state colleges and universities for access to affordable higher education. However, decades of state disinvestment have driven-up tuition and shifted the cost to families and students, who often must borrow to attend even lower-cost public institutions. Last year, Senator Sanders raised the visibility of public college affordability. His proposal today for federal-state matching is one of the most effective mechanisms to incentivize states to partner with the federal government and to make higher education available to all students, regardless of families’ limited financial means. AASCU will continue its work with Congress and the administration to make affordability a top priority. ###

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association of more than 400 public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underserved student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development. These are institutions Delivering America’s Promise of Opportunities for All.