College Students Ask Obama…
Tuesday, January 13th, 2009Demographic that voted Obama in demands accountability on college costs, employment
Obama’s election victory was in great part driven by his ability to rally youth and first time voters. In fact, USA Today reported that 66% of voters aged 18-29 and 68% of first-time voters voted for Obama.
Now the demographic that put him in office wants to know: how will President Obama respond to the issues that most concern them?
In a recent survey, CampusCompare asked nearly 2000 college students “What is the one question you would want to ask the future president?” Not surprisingly, college costs and future employability were top of the list. Increasing unemployment rates are raising concerns amongst students that they will not find the jobs they need after college to pay back those hefty loans.
Through their questions – submitted anonymously – students are sending a clear message that government has a role to play in looking out for their interests.
- “How will you make sure that as I pay back my student loans that my interest rates and payments will stay affordable?”
- “Can you ensure there will be jobs available after I graduate from college? How will you create more jobs for people with PhDs?”
- “Why is higher education worth the investment of $60-$100 thousand dollars, particularly when a college degree does not guarantee a job – even in the best market conditions – and while those same 4 years could be spent gaining entry-level experience of equal or greater career benefit?”
Are today’s market conditions undermining our nations’ students’ drive to seek higher education? It seems that students are still betting on education. An overwhelming 96% of survey respondents agreed when asked “In times of economic crisis, does a college degree become even more important for your employability?” But they are making frugal choices. 70% are not willing to splurge on Ivy League and say, “I just need a degree in order to compete in this job market. Any degree or school will do.”
