A Failing Safety Net: Declining Community College Affordability

The nation’s community colleges serve as the educational safety net for millions of students. While the safety net is showing signs of wear, it can be restored within current state and federal policies guiding higher education. Bipartisan support can and should be developed for this agenda because it cuts across the desire within both major political parties to create opportunities for those left behind. As policymakers consider how to make a community college education affordable to people across all walks of life, this report points out some policy questions and recommendation for them.