Hildreth Institute Testifies in Support of a Debt-Free Higher Education

The Honorable Joanne M. Comerford

Chair, Joint Committee on Higher Education

24 Beacon St.

Room 410

Boston, MA 02133

The Honorable David M. Rogers

Chair, Joint Committee on Higher Education

24 Beacon St.

Room 473B

Boston, MA 02133

Subject: Testimony in Support of Debt-Free Public Higher Education

Dear Honorable Chairs and Members of the Joint Higher on Education Committee,

Thank you Chairs Comerford and Rogers, Vice Chair Gentile, and members of the Joint Committee on Higher Education for the opportunity to submit a written testimony on behalf a the Hildreth Institute.

Hildreth Institute is an independent research and policy center dedicated to restoring the promise of higher education as an engine of upward mobility for all. Central to our mission is the firm belief, that regardless of their socio-economic background or ethnicity, every individual deserves an affordable and equitable path to obtain a quality higher education credential.

We recognize the committee's profound commitment to tackling the significant challenges within higher education, including barriers to access, ensuring student success, and the escalating burden of student debt. We are encouraged by the strengthening consensus in Massachusetts on matters of public higher education. With the unwavering support of our new Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Commissioner of Higher Education, combined with the legislature's steadfast leadership, the path toward an affordable, accessible, and inclusive public higher education in Massachusetts is more defined than ever. The recent passage of the Fair Share Amendment further empowers us to recalibrate funding approaches. With such momentum, we stand poised to champion an ambitious higher education strategy.

Although we are not endorsing any specific bill, we would like to present insights garnered from our in-depth research to inform discussions and shape decisions about the legislative proposals under review in this hearing.

Our previous reports have consistently warned of the severe consequences stemming from state-level policy choices that have reduced funding and disinvested in scholarship aid. These policies have created a ripple effect, leading to escalating tuition fees and making it increasingly difficult for many students to even consider the pursuit of higher education. In our latest report, we provide an in-depth analysis of the current state of higher education enrollment in Massachusetts and show that declining college enrollment and noncompletion rates, particularly among students of color and those from low-income backgrounds, are primarily driven by persistent issues of college affordability. This is a critical issue, jeopardizing not only the future of our educational institutions but also the state's economic growth and the development of a diverse workforce.

To reverse these trends, we must commit to a robust financial framework for our public higher education system, one that adapts to the evolving needs of an increasingly diverse student population.

The core message must be simple and compelling: a high-quality, affordable higher education—with little to no need for student loans—is an attainable objective for all students aspiring for a college credential.

The recent passage of the Fair Share Amendment provides a timely influx of revenue partly earmarked for public higher education, offering an unprecedented chance for comprehensive reform. The state has the opportunity to reform its grants and scholarship programs by consolidating state funding under large and simple financial aid programs geared towards addressing students’ growing financial unmet need.

Based on our research, we propose here a range of options along with their respective advantages and disadvantages for the decision-makers interested in creating an ambitious equity-centered higher education strategy.

In conclusion, the Hildreth Institute remains committed to supporting the state's efforts to ensure that higher education remains a ladder to success for all. We are here as a resource and look forward to collaborating with this committee, and other stakeholders.

Thank you for your attention, and we are ready to assist in any way possible.

Best regards,

Bahar Akman Imboden