Doing Away With Debt: Using Existing Resources to Ensure College Affordability for Low and Middle-Income Families

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America has some of the finest colleges in the world, but the promise of higher education is realized by too few. The Ed Trust's new report, "Doing Away With Debt: Using Existing Resources to Ensure College Affordability for Low and Middle Income Families," suggests that for students who are willing to study, work, or serve their communities, the federal and state governments, along with their institutions, should make sure they can afford to go to college without the fear of crushing student loan debt.

Here's what people are saying about "Doing Away With Debt":

“The Education Trust recently issued the most visionary proposal: Consolidate virtually all federal student aid beyond Pell Grants into budget-neutral block grants for states that commit to providing debt-free higher education for low-income students and interest-free loans for middle-income students. Participating schools would be required to contain costs and boost graduation; students would need to maintain steady progress toward completion. It’s a powerful conception of shared responsibility.”—Ronald Brownstein, National Journal

“[A] bold plan designed to address the root causes of the debt-for-diploma system — and importantly, one that has real potential to garner bipartisan support.“ —Tamara Draut, vice president of policy and research, Demos

"I am impressed with the breadth and depth of this report.  Importantly, the recommendations will go a long way in redesigning a financial aid system to be simpler and more equitable, efficient and effective."—Stan Jones, president, Complete College America

"For over a decade, we have seen and felt the divestment from higher education. Students from low-income communities and students of color still have the most barriers to entering and finishing college. We want an affordable education, and The Education Trust has proposed healthy and smart next steps."—Tiffany Dena Loftin, president, United States Student Association

“Young Invincibles sees this as an important contribution to the debate around the future of financial aid."—Jen Mishory, deputy director, Young Invincibles