Cost comparison tool for higher education will be effective

In President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address, he stressed the importance of making higher education more affordable, and said it was Congress’ job to ensure colleges do their part to keep costs down. He also announced the release of his administration’s “College Scorecard,” which allows for the simplistic comparison of colleges by focusing strictly on costs.

To ensure colleges keep their costs down, Obama asked Congress to amend the Higher Education Act, “so that affordability and value are included in determining which colleges receive certain types of federal aid.” This concept is respectable in principle, but is vague and needs to become more specific before action is taken.

It may prove challenging to compare the affordability and value of colleges and universities while also determining whether institutions are meeting the proposed requirements. Many components will have to be factored in, from the size of an institution’s endowment to whether it is public or private.

Specifics aside, ensuring affordability at an institution like Syracuse University could attract more applicants and contribute to financial futures for students who will inevitably face post-graduation debt.

But before Congress acts on this proposal, it needs to establish how it will affect universities. Actual education experience cannot be compromised for enhanced affordability.

The Obama administration’s “College Scoreboard” is a simple, standardized tool made to compare college and university costs. The scoreboard, accessible on whitehouse.gov, is easy to navigate with specified search options and the ability to look up specific schools’ cost information. The graphics are aesthetically pleasing and enhance the straightforward breakdown of different cost factors, including overall costs and loan default rates.

Confusion is often inevitable when attempting to compare costs using institutions’ respective websites during the application process. The simplified compilation of data allows students and parents to gain a better financial understanding. Student accessibility is especially important, as many students take on the responsibility of handling their higher education fees and loans.

Though the scorecard is not meant to reduce college costs, it does allow for better, more comprehensible dialogue about college affordability. It helps prospective students understand many important financial facts before committing to a school.