DFI Warns of the False Promise of President Biden’s ‘Free College’ Proposal

WASHINGTON—On the heels of President Joe Biden signing the “Inflation Reduction Act”, a bill which codifies many of the Administration’s misguided “Build Back Better” policies into law, the Defense of Freedom Institute warns that it’s only a matter of time before the Administration revives its “Free Community College for All” proposal.  

In its new report, “The False Promise of Free College”, DFI contends a federally funded “free community college” program is a bad idea built on false assumptions about the higher education system and will not lead to better student outcomes or a more productive workforce.  Instead, it will come at tremendous cost to taxpayers and benefit a few special interest groups.

In particular, President Biden’s “free community college” plan:

• Imposes heavy financial obligations on states while interfering with state-based programs and limiting the ability of community colleges to address local needs.
• Ignores the low graduation rates at community colleges and the lack of preparedness of high school graduates.
• Overlooks existing state and federal programs that already help needy students obtain a free postsecondary education.

To read the full report, click here.

DFI is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused on providing thoughtful, conservative solutions to challenges in the areas of education, workforce, labor, and employment policy.

Through a unique blend of policy and legal expertise, we fight to: expand school and work opportunities for all Americans; limit the power of federal agencies and government-sector unions; and defend the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans in the classroom and the workplace.

Among its initiatives, DFI reimagines the federal role in postsecondary education and workforce development, with the goals of making career preparation accessible and affordable for all students and productive for all taxpayers.