Kentucky has become the latest state to push free tuition for community colleges.
Any students who graduate “from Kentucky high schools, home schools or obtain their GEDs in Kentucky will be able to attend community college for free,” according to the Louisville Courier-Journal.
The bill, H.B. 626, passed the House of Representatives on Thursday, and will face another vote in the Senate.
Students apply for federal financial aid, and the state covers the difference so long as the student reaches minimum grade point average and credit hour requirements. Students can receive funding for up to six semesters, so students can complete a two-year degree in three years without the treat of defunding.
Representatives hailed the bill as an opportunity for future growth.
“They’re going to start generating economic activity in our state because we invested in them,” Rep. Tommy Thompson (D-Owensboro) said.
The state estimates up to 18,000 students could take advantage of the program in its first year, and would cost about $20 million.
Kentucky follows in the footsteps of Tennessee, which instituted a similar program in 2015. Oregon, too, expects to try free community college later in 2016.
The effectiveness of those problems is a question that remains. Enrollment in Tennessee has increased, but community colleges tend to have low graduation rates. Without reforms in mind to boost educational outcomes, the promise of free college might not boost Kentucky’s economy. Especially if students leave the state after graduation, the state is subsidizing other states for its brain drain.
Data from multiple states won’t be available to evaluate the programs for a few years, however. For now, the debate revolves around the current state of community colleges and optimistic assurances from politicians.
