New Mexico, a Southwestern State in the US, has revealed that it has intentions of making public universities and colleges tuition-free. This will be for all residents irrespective of their income levels.
This objective awaits approval by the state’s legislature. Notably, if passed students in New Mexico will have the chance to get enrolled in any of its twenty-nine (29) public universities and colleges.
New Mexico’s plan is exceptional
State officials in New Mexico have revealed that the program will be called the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship. It is speculated to benefit at least fifty-five thousand (55,000) learners annually.
Michelle Lujan Grisham, New Mexico Governor, stated that this objective ought to be viewed as a moonshot in the higher education field. She also noted that the plan would prompt optimal enrollment, making students’ success inevitable.
New Mexico sets the precedent
New Mexico has made a bold move of addressing the contentious issue of whether tuition-free college is applicable or not in American society. Various American leaders have been weighing in this debate.
For instance, Bernie Sanders, a Democratic presidential hopeful and Vermont Senator, believes that tuition-free college ought to thrive as many obstacles are averted.
Governor Grisham has asserted that the courageous decision made by New Mexico will improve economic growth and outcomes for all parents, practitioners, and students in the long-run. As a result, this means a better paid and educated workforce.
New Mexico intends to fund this project from its general fund. Notably, it is estimated to cost between twenty-five and thirty-five million dollars(US$25-35).
New Mexico has been witnessing incredible economic development as revenues have been boosted through oil production happening at the Permian Basin.
New Mexico aims at setting a precedent of actualizing tuition-free college. On the other hand, nearly twenty (20) other states have generated initiatives meant for this objective.
