The House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Investment held a hearing yesterday on the effects of college non-completion, focusing on the costs involved for students and how to improve outcomes for students.
Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA), opened the hearing by talking about the previous work the committee has done to improve the lives of students, as well as making clear that “as this committee continues its work to expand college access, we must also ensure that today’s students have the support they need to complete college and enjoy the life changing benefits of a college degree.” Davis reiterated this hearing’s importance by saying, “This really is a matter of national importance. Congress has a responsibility to ensure that today’s college students have the support they need to make it to graduation day, otherwise we will continue to leave far too many students without a degree, struggling with student loans that they cannot repay.”
Rep. Smucker (R-PA), focused on the costs of non-completion to students in his opening remarks, citing a study that found that students who drop out before attaining a degree have worse financial outcomes than those who never pursued a secondary education in the first place. Smucker also talked about the rising costs of college, and the burden of student loan debt, saying that colleges need to have more of a share in the risk of student non-completion and a higher stake in their student’s success. He closed his remarks by reminding the committee and witness panel, that “getting students to the starting line is not enough, we must encourage them to complete a program, and earn that credential or degree.”