A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

       FOR RELEASE Contact:                  Stephanie Babyak (202) 401-1576     September 25, 1996                    Jane Glickman (202) 401-1576

Statement by U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley on the College Board's Annual Report on College Costs

As The College Board points out, a college education benefits not only the individual student but also our democratic society as a whole. The variety of colleges in America offers a vast range of higher education experiences at a range of costs. We all need to work together to keep college affordable and accessible to all qualified students.

President Clinton's budget proposal would increase Pell Grants and Work Study opportunities for needy students to record levels. In addition, President Clinton's HOPE Scholarships would give a boost to working and middle income families who earn too much to qualify for need based grants but see college as simply out of reach financially. The HOPE Scholarship aims to make a college education affordable and accessible, and at the same time reward academic performance.

We need to expand education opportunities for Americans, especially working and middle income families who are feeling the squeeze financially.

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