A recent proposal by the chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee that deals with student aid programs aims to curb recent tuition increases by public and private universities.

California Representative Howard P. McKeon’s plan would prevent colleges and universities from raising tuition at a rate that is more than twice that of inflation. Those institutions that do not comply would be subject to sanctions, which could include depriving the school of federal student aid programs.

The proposal comes after a recent study by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education found that the tuition increases at public universities often exceeded 10 percent this year. In the past, increases by private universities have been higher than those of most public institutions. The private university increases are partially a result of tight state budgets. This year, Washington University increased tuition by 5.2 percent, which is exactly double the 2.6 percent inflation rate.

Barbara Feiner, WU vice chancellor for finance and chief financial officer, said that until the plan is described in more detail it is difficult to assess its potential impact. Currently, McKeon has only mentioned the plan in a speech.

“[McKeon's] suggested punishments of cutting federally funded financial aid would hurt most the very people he purports to help-students and their families,” said Feiner.

Feiner went on to say that this plan is uncharacteristic of McKeon, who is usually “a strong friend of higher education.”

“It’s very likely that the swift and strong negative reaction of virtually every U.S. higher education association certainly will give McKeon reason to consider his ideas with great care,” said Feiner.

Many institutions have already stated their opposition to the plan. David L. Warren, president of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, released a statement on March 5 detailing the concerns of many institutions regarding the proposal.

One of the greatest concerns of the NAICU is that limits on tuition increases would sacrifice the quality and availability of higher education.

“This proposal would force [institutions] to slice into the academic muscle that provides students with a quality education, or slash the generous amounts of institutional grant aid that allow students from all backgrounds to earn a college degree,” said Warren in his statement.

He also said that McKeon’s proposal is misguided because it does not take into account the effect of grants and other financial aid, which may mitigate the rising costs of tuition for needy students.

McKeon’s plan has elicited mixed responses from WU students. Many see the initiative as a significant step in keeping down the cost of a college education.

“It seems logical that the costs of everything included in tuition wouldn’t be rising much more than the rate of inflation,” said junior Katie Alexander. “If that’s the case, then the tuition itself shouldn’t rise more than that either.”

WU freshman Ian Ashcraft-Williams said that the plan could be beneficial in reducing student debt.

“It does not seem like a good idea to raise tuition double the rate of inflation because many students would have a hard time paying, putting them in debt,” said Ashcraft-Williams.

However, some students see potential problems in the plan. Specifically, many question whether the federal government should have a role in controlling private institutions.

“For private universities, it should be the decision of the university,” said sophomore Joe Walter.

“Although this seems like a good idea, unforeseen circumstances may require a college to raise tuition,” said freshman Maggie Gierse.

Similarly, the NAICU’s release stated that the proposal is too narrow.

“Rep. McKeon’s one-size-fits-all approach ignores the enviable diversity of America’s 3,600 institutions,” said Warren.

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