In recent months, US leaders have proposed a number of plans to make higher education more affordable. The most recent one comes from Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton. This $350 billion plan will reduce the cost of four-year public institutions and make two-year community college free, as well as cut student loan interest rates. Private universities with smaller endowments and that serve a higher percentage of low-income students will receive federal funds to lower cost of attendance and improve graduation. 
 
Two other initiatives: 
  • Vermont Senator and Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders introduced the College for All bill that will eliminate tuition and fees for four-year public universities.
  • President Barack Obama proposed a $60 billion initiative to provide free two-year community college.
 
According to College Board, the national student debt is approximately $1.3 trillion, and the average four-year public school is 42 per cent higher than it was ten years ago.  Higher education is the fastest growing consumer product in the US. What does this mean for the UK? Although these initiatives, if passed, will make college more affordable for American students, UK undergraduate recruitment might not see the impact as they aim to support first generation college students and those who may not be internationally mobile. It will mean undergraduate degree attainment will increase and could possibily increase the postgraduate recruitment opportunities in the US. More information on these initiatives can be found below.