ASU Provides Free Higher Education for Low Income Individuals

ASU announced that it will be providing free education to low income individuals--people that make less than $25k per year. This program began two years ago, and was originally offered to families who made less than the federal poverty level--$18,850 a year. University officials estimate that this has benefited approximately 600 students. By raising the bar to $25,000 the university hopes to make education available to twice as many students. Is this the correct path, or will it just place an unnecessary burden on Arizona tax payers? Perhaps there should be a clause that requires the individual to work in Arizona after graduation, in order to racapture some of the money the state spent on free tuition. In other words, what is the return on investment for Arizona State? Is it simply a way to increase the public profile of the University, or is it a good idea that will help the State to move forward? On that note, maybe providing free or discounted education to low-income individuals can also decrease the state prison population, and help the United States to be more competitive in the international education arena. Want to learn more about Enrollment Management? Click here to sign up for the Innovation Ads Enrollment Management Whitepaper.