Economically Adrift: Sequestration is HERE and There are Serious Consequences for Low Income Students

Today is the day. March 1, 2013, the deadline created in 2011 in an attempt to force congress to agree on terms to reduce the federal budget after raising the debt ceiling (source). Instead of steep budget cuts, the Obama administration proposes tax hikes for those who make 250,000 and above. Republicans are holding out for increase reduction in federal spending (source). Regarding of position, indecision of the federal government and subsequent sequestration, has deleterious effects on the financial stability of higher education and ability of many low-income students to reduce cost of attendance in our nations institutions.

Low-Income students across the country rely on sources of funding that fall under the "discretionary income" purview of the federal budget. Sequestration means that 5% will be cut from discretionary programs such as Upward Bound, Federal Work-Study, and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. It also includes federally funded research, which solves pressing world problems, and funds graduate students at research institutions across the county.

Scholars have estimated the state by state cost, indicating that the State of Illinois would have 3,280 fewer students on financial aid and 2, 650 fewer work study jobs (State by State breakdown). This could set a precedent, one in which encourages the federal government to makes these cuts permanent instead of looking for other long term solutions in making up the federal deficit.

As you think of readings from Kezar, what does this mean for access and retention of all low-income students  with special attention to private for profit, and two-year institutions, where most low-income students are located?

If you were President or Chancellor of an institution of higher education, what may be an appropriate action to take in order to:

1. Support currently enrolled low-income students and
2. Attract future low-income students to your campus?


To read more about sequestration, and its impact on Higher Education here are a few articles of interest:
CNN Explains: Sequestration
Education Sequestration: State By State Breakdown (Diverse Issues In Higher Ed)
Dire Warnings as Cuts Approach ( Inside Higher Ed)
America's Research Community Speaks Out