04.16.15

Scott Statement on New Report Confirming Parent PLUS Loan Program Impact On Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Washington – Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, released the following statement on a new report from the Regional Educational Laboratory Mid-Atlantic detailing the impact of the Parent PLUS Loan Program on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): 

“A new report validated concerns I and many other Members had over the changes to the Parent PLUS Loan Program. The changes disproportionately affected Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), not because of the quality of these institutions, but because of the demographics of the students they choose to serve. For many students, an HBCU was their sole available option for a four-year on campus higher education. That option was denied because of the changes to Parent PLUS. The Department of Education has recognized the damaging impact the changes to Parent PLUS had on HBCUs, and I will continue to work with them to strengthen our federal supports for HBCUs. We have an obligation to ensure that current and new federal policies in higher education do not have the unintended consequence of punishing institutions that have made an historic commitment to providing equitable access to higher education.”

The report, “Changes in Financial Aid and Student Enrollment at Historically Black Colleges and Universities after the Tightening of PLUS Credit Standards” can be viewed here.

 

# # #