Re: Question 3 - Student Fees

Thank you to Assembly member Elaine Alquist for commenting on the size of student debt.  

We have lost many potential teachers in our education program because of student debt.  These students attended the university, taking 5-6 years to get their degree because they had to work to supplement student loans.  When they were ready for the '5th year' (post BA) education program, they had maxed out the loan programs and had to work full-time to begin paying the loans.

My niece just graduated in 4 years from the university with a student loan debt so large she does not see how she will work to support herself and pay back the debt. Through school she worked two jobs, nights and weekends, and still had to accumulate enourmous student loans. 

Only one cost is tuition, then housing, parking fees, and when each textbook can cost $75-$100 dollars even buying it used, it is very difficult for students.