2. A system that allows higher education to be affordable and accessible to everyone, regardless of socio-economic background.
There are many different ways to make education more affordable, such as increasing funding for Pell Grants, debt free financing options for low-income students, lowering interest rates on student loans, and even free community college and more public scholarships.

3. Student debt is paralyzing post graduate mobility in Massachusetts
Student debt is paralyzing post graduate mobility in Massachusetts. 66% of our students graduate with almost $30,000 or more in debt, an average per student that is one of the highest in the country. (Institute for College Access and Success) Currently, lawmakers from 10 states have proposed legislation to make public university debt free in their state. In-state tuition at public universities has increased 296% since 1995, while financing options and grants have not kept up with skyrocketing prices. (Time Magazine) Many other developed, democratic countries have public education systems that provide free or low-cost tuition for their students. For example, Germany, France, and Sweden offer free university education. In the UK, students graduate with a fraction of the debt that an American student does. (Us News and World Report)

4. Research demonstrates that obtaining a college degree has a profound effect on a person’s earnings post graduation and income over the course of their life. For millennials, the average salary for someone with a college degree is $45,500, while the average for someone with only a high school diploma is $28,000. (Pew Research Center) In today’s Information Economy, having an educated and specialized workforce is critical to our Nation’s competitiveness in the global economy.

5. Spread the word about Debt Free College and encourage friends and families to ask businesses and politicians to provide it and make good policy.
Join organizations like Fair Shot to organize communities and advocate for more affordable and accessible higher education in Massachusetts.
Share personal stories and experiences through social media and op-ed writing in local papers.

6. /FairShotMass
@FairShot
@FairShotForAll