A large portion of President Obama's stimulus bill is delegated toward higher education, and many of its proposals could help AU students save money on school expenses, according to AU administration.
Out of a $787 billion stimulus package, Obama has reserved $106 billion for education, including designated funds on a college level. Most past presidents have focused primarily on improving education for kindergarten through the 12th grade, according to USA Today.
Douglas Kudravetz, AU assistant vice president of finance, said he is optimistic about the extent to which Obama's plans will benefit the university.
"While there may be debate about whether he is doing enough, it is gratifying that, given the overwhelming needs and demands he is facing, that he recognized the importance of higher education and did what he could to add support," Kudravetz said in an e-mail.
This stimulus money includes funding for additional college programs, some of which AU may be able to take advantage. The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services received funding to give grants that will offset the costs of police officers. If AU receives a grant, it could help pay costs within the Public Safety Department, Kudravetz said in the e-mail.
AU is exploring whether it can obtain funds from the Department of Energy to use toward energy efficient projects, but it is too soon to tell exactly what will happen with the grant, he said.
The stimulus bill also includes an increase to the current education tax credit of up to $2,500 that can be used for tuition-related expenses in 2009 and 2010, according to The New York Times.
To provide students with more funding for school expenses, Obama plans to increase the maximum Pell Grant by $500 in 2009 and by another $200 in 2010, according to the Times. The Pell Grant is a federal grant given to low-income students.
Blaine Toups, a sophomore in the School of Public Affairs, said he thinks the increases in the Pell Grant program will do little to offset AU's high tuition rates. He also said he believes federalizing student loans is the wrong approach, as it takes funds away from private banks and will make it harder for students to get loans if they do not qualify for federal aid.
What will help students most is Obama's plan to move federal loan funding from discretionary to mandatory, said Sam Hagedorn, a freshman in SPA.
Tess Van Den Dolder, a freshman in SPA and a member of the College Democrats said she feels that if Obama really wanted to help students pay for higher education, he would re-format the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form.
"The form has not been done since the 70's and is incredibly outdated," van Den Dolder said. "It really does nothing for middle class families and penalizes households that save and rewards those that spend beyond their means.
You can reach this staff writer at mkendall@theeagleonline.com.
