While some AASCU institutions offer doctoral programs, most of AASCU
members offer Master degree programs. As such, financing and sustaining
access to these programs is a part of AASCU’s policy agenda. Graduate
education provides students with the opportunity to engage in a specific
academic area on a much deeper level. These programs help to support a
well-educated society a key for economic prosperity. Further, the
research pursued in these programs often help to propel the development
of new technologies and improved products.
The federal government
has funded several programs that supports continued development of
graduate education as well as provide access to needy students. The
Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) provides funding
to institutions to support students with superior academic ability
pursuing a graduate degree in an academic area of national need.
Institutions participating in this program must also establish policies
and procedures for attracting students from traditionally
underrepresented populations. Similar to GAANN, the McNair Post
Baccalaureate Achievement program under the federal TRIO program
supports access for low-income, underrepresented students to doctoral
programs. In 2012, the Department of Education reprogrammed TRIO funds
in such a manner as to reduce the McNair program funding level by $10
million. AASCU opposed this change.
One area of recent concern
has been the elimination of subsidized federal loans for graduate
students. Prior to passage of the 2011 Omnibus Appropriations Act,
graduate students were afforded subsidized federal loans in order to
pursue their higher degree. As a result of the Act, the federal
government ceased offering loans where the federal government paid the
accruing loan interest while the student was studying for a graduate
degree. The savings from this provision was directed toward the Pell
Grant Program. While placing a high priority on the Pell Grant Program,
AASCU is becoming increasing alarmed at the Congress’ propensity to take
from one federal student aid program to fund another.