Indiana

Education, From The Capitol To The Classroom

Candidates For Indiana Governor Debate College Costs & Completion

    Michael Conroy / Associated Press Pool Photo

    The three candidates for Indiana governor, Republican Mike Pence, left, Libertarian Rupert Boneham, center, and Democrat John Gregg participate in a debate in Zionsville.

    “I think we need to have a serious discussion about a freeze on tuition” at the state’s public colleges, Democrat John Gregg said during Wednesday’s debate between Indiana’s gubernatorial candidates.

    Gregg, Republican opponent Mike Pence and Libertarian Rupert Boneham all agreed students’ college costs must be curbed during the debate, broadcast statewide on television and radio.

    Pence said he wants to lower college costs through incentives that encourage students to complete their degrees on-time — and encourage universities to ensure more students meet that objective.

    Pence praised Indiana University for its recently-announced plan to freeze tuition for students who are on track to graduate.

    “This falls in the category of exactly the right idea,” said Pence, whose platform calls for putting more weight on the four-year graduation rates in the state’s performance funding formula for colleges.

    Gregg said Pence’s incentives don’t take non-traditional students into consideration, saying, “Many people don’t have the luxury of going to school full-time.”

    The candidates will debate again on Wednesday, Oct. 17 in South Bend.

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