Tallahassee Community College President Jim Murdaugh spent Thursday morning in Washington D.C. answering questions about college affordability. The U.S Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions asked about financial literacy, rising tuition costs, online courses, among other topics.
"Despite being given the authority to increase tuition by up to 5 percent, our decision to hold tuition at the same level as last year is a strong statement of what our trustees and our college leadership value. We value access to high education and we believe access is only real for those who can afford it." says Murdaugh during his opening statement. This year's tuition was $2,304.
When the topic turned to financial literacy, almost everyone agreed courses on the subject would be a good idea. Murdaugh thought so too, but said if courses were to happen they would need to be mandatory, making the class optional would not lead to a very good turn out.
Senate Committee Chair Tom Harkin said he was glad all of the panelists were working hard to manage costs. However, he also said he still wonders what the federal government will be able to do to help students.