The U.S. government may fine UW-Madison for future tuition increases, if a bill proposed by U.S. Rep. Howard McKeon, R-Calif., passes. The bill, the \College Affordability in Higher Education Act,"" is creating controversy with its provision penalizing colleges and universities for exorbitant tuition increases.
Several provisions in the bill seek to make college more affordable, but one causing contention creates a ""college affordability index,"" which takes into account the costs of going to college. This figure, which represents a student's total cost of attending a particular university, would be sent from institutions of higher education to the U.S. Department of Education. If an institution exceeds the index by double the rate of inflation for two consecutive years, then a variety of sanctions are implemented.
McKeon said he sees these sanctions as a way to force colleges to reduce tuition.
""The tuition rate continues to rise at rates that far exceed the rate of inflation. ... Colleges and universities can take a look at their budgets and make changes,"" said Deana Bass, spokesperson for McKeon.
However, groups such as the American Association of State Colleges and Universities oppose the bill. They believe colleges have little discretion in increasing tuition.
""We firmly believe the proposal is the wrong fix for the right issue,"" AASCU Communications Director Susan Chilcott said.
Bass said McKeon believes colleges can do more to halt tuition increases.
""Even in light of the economic climate, many colleges have done a really good job in this environment. It has been done and it can be done,"" Bass said.
John Torphy, vice chancellor of administration at UW-Madison, said last year's tuition increase at UW-Madison would have surpassed the allowed rate. Torphy also said he believes this bill is neither realistic nor desirable.
""What [McKeon is] really saying is 'we're going to punish the university and the students because of the state of Wisconsin's state budget'... that doesn't make a lot of sense,"" Torphy said.
Bass, however, said it is not solely the states' responsibility to make college inexpensive. She said McKeon believes everyone plays a play in making college affordable.
One of several possible sanctions McKeon proposes is the revocation of federal financial aid for schools in violation of the bill. Steve Van Ess, director of the UW-Madison Office of Student Financial Services, said such sanctions are counterproductive.
""When do students need money the most? When the economy is bad and when costs go up,"" Van Ess said.
According to Van Ess, students receive 69 percent of their financial aid from the federal government.
With the UW System facing a $250 million budget cut, fewer resources would result in fewer educated students, according to Erik Christianson, the UW System spokesperson.
Over time, Van Ess said two other effects may result. Colleges may raise tuition to the maximum allotted amount in preparation for bad economic periods, or they may cut quality in order to save money. The problems this bill addresses will continue, he said, until state legislatures devote more money to universities.
""The rise in college costs, in general, is not a matter of increased expenditures. What has decreased is state support. ... No matter what, we have tried to maintain quality, and the price is what is necessary to pay for that,"" Van Ess said.
