OLYMPIA – The Legislature has passed a comprehensive higher education bill focused on keeping quality and access high, while also addressing reduced support from the state due to ongoing budget cuts. Under House Bill 1795, significant increases in financial aid are made for low and middle-income students as four-year institutions are given the authority to set tuition at levels that meet local needs.
The Higher Education Opportunity Act passed the House on Monday with a 79 to 17 vote, and was then approved by the Senate yesterday 32 to 13.
“Our six four-year institutions are different, and they’re different in very impressive ways,” said Rep. Reuven Carlyle, D-Seattle, and prime sponsor of the bill. “The challenge for us today is to recognize that difference, and find a thoughtful and best way to ensure access, affordability and quality.”
With proposed budget reductions above $400 million in state support to the higher education system, the legislation aims to sustain and increase support for low and middle-income students. If a university raises tuition past prescribed levels, the amount of tuition fees returned to students in financial aid increases from four to five percent.
“This bill ensures that all students have access to a quality college education here in Washington State by expanding income eligibility for need-based financial aid,” said Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Bellevue, chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee. “We’re blessed with some of the best universities in the country, and we can’t afford to let their quality plummet if we want Washington businesses hiring Washington students.”
Several new efforts will also address increased student costs driven by having to repeat courses, denied credits for prior learning, or difficulty transferring from two-year community and technical colleges. Two-year colleges will now actively advertise which courses are accepted when they transfer to four-year institutions, and transfers will automatically be given junior-class status to keep them on track for four-year completion.
“Our need for a dramatically better educated workforce and citizenry is forcing us to think differently about how we approach our state’s education,” said Rep. Larry Seaquist, D-Gig Harbor, chair of the House Higher Education Committee. “Innovative approaches like this will make our higher education system more efficient, benefiting students as well as our communities.”
Accountability is included throughout the act, including reporting on how financial aid is being distributed and what debt load students are carrying. Regulatory relief is also included to help colleges deliver quality education in tough budget times.
“As someone who works in economic development, ensuring that our higher education institutions provide opportunities for quality education is important to me,” said Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor. “And as the father of two kids, ensuring that our universities have enough enrollment opportunities for kids in our state and that those opportunities are affordable is also key. This bill makes important progress on each of those fronts.”
Outside of the legislation, the current budget proposals include more than $100 million in increases funding for the State Need Grant, which helps low-income students access higher learning.