As the concept of free four-year college tuition gradually picks up steam, aided by spirited debate among Democratic presidential contenders, free tuition at community colleges has been spreading at a quicker pace. Currently 19 states offer free tuition at their public community colleges and several other states are in the process of establishing such programs.
Scholars and education policy analysts are questioning whether two-year institutions and the students they serve — especially those most in need — are actually benefiting from free tuition programs.
Recent research by both The Brookings Institution and the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) arrived at similar conclusions in their analyses of policies designed to raise U.S. college graduation rates.
“While reducing community college tuition and fees to zero does lead to more associate degrees, some students are drawn away from the four-year sector in the process,” according to the Brookings article “Policies and Payoffs to Addressing America’s College Graduation Deficit.” The article added that low-income students see the smallest gains from free community college policies.
The authors of the Brookings report — Dr. Christopher Avery of the Harvard Kennedy School; Dr. Jessica Howell and Dr. Matea Pender of The College Board; and Dr. Bruce Sacerdote of Dartmouth College — noted “an interesting paradox.” Their research revealed that “some policies that appear to focus on low-income students may have the opposite effect” because Pell Grants cover some or all of tuition costs for low-income students. Even programs with an income threshold tend to benefit the near-poor much more than those who already qualify for Pell Grants, they explained.
The Brookings report authors concluded that the most cost effective options were increased spending at all public colleges and targeted elimination of tuition and fees at four-year public colleges for income-eligible students.
A question of access
