Jacksonville college weighs in on Obama's free degree proposal

Action News

http://www.fox30jax.com/news/news/local/how-president-obamas-free-college-proposal-could-a/njkND/

By Brittany Jones

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — President Barack Obama is making a bold proposal with two years left in his administration.
He wants to make it free to attend community college.

"To put simply, what I'd like to see is the first two years of community college free for anyone who is willing to work for it," he said.

The president's proposal is expected to impact 9 million Americans.

Students at Florida State College of Jacksonville are determined to get their degrees.

"I mean, you aren't going to get anywhere without an education," said Matt Bruno.

Bruno and his classmates are a part of FSCJ's automotive technician program. The students Action News spoke to at FSCJ graduate this year, but future students could go to school without paying a thing if Obama gets his way.

"That's right; free for everybody's who's willing to work for it," said Obama.

Under his proposed plan, the president says all Americans could go to community and technical colleges for free for the first two years. The requirements: maintain a 2.5 GPA and make steady progress to completing the degree.

FSCJ President Cynthia Bioteau agrees with the plan.

"What I find most exciting about the president's proposal is we will help our students, we will help our community members, we will help our neighbors find access to education," said Bioteau.

Obama says the proposal slightly models Tennessee's new Promise plan that kicks off later this year.  Action News checked out their program. Tuition will be free for graduating high school seniors but not for returning adults.

Action News found that the Promise plan costs about $34 million to provide students with five consecutive semesters.

At FSCJ, Obama's plan could save students up to $7,200 for two years of tuition. According to the president, tuition currently costs average $3,200 a year; more for more expensive degrees.

"It'd help me by saving money on student loans and things that we may have to pay back even after going to school," said Gregory Lawrence.

This cost-savings plan could cost some big bucks. Officials estimate the price tag is estimated about $70billion.
"I think this will be debated heavily," said Bioteau.

Bioteau said after it's paid first from federal money, states will still have to decide to pick up the tab remaining after grants and scholarships are applied to tuition costs.

The White House said specific details of the plan will be released during the State of the Union address.