Joco Today

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall participated in a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hearing to discuss the state of higher education. As an alumnus of a community college, he shared his experiences emphasizing financial literacy and obtaining college credits during high school.

Senator Marshall highlighted his journey as a first-generation college student who worked part-time jobs to fund his education without borrowing money. He attended Butler County Community College before earning degrees from Kansas State University and the University of Kansas.

During the hearing, Senator Marshall engaged with Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, Chancellor of Austin Community College District, about comparing community colleges to traditional universities and the flexibility of Pell Grants.

Senator Marshall said: “I was the student that graduated first in a class of 200; had ACT scores that were really good... I chose a community college.” He underscored making financial decisions throughout life without relying on loans.

He also compared tuition costs: “The tuition at a community college on average is $5,000 a year. A State University is $12,000.” He questioned whether federal support should reward financially responsible decisions.

Dr. Lowery-Hart responded regarding students transitioning from community colleges: “They all saved money starting at a community college... if they go back to their [Institutional Research] IR shops... perform at or better than students that originated in those universities.”

On Pell Grant flexibility, Dr. Lowery-Hart stated: “Really important... There are level-one certifications that can lead to a family-sustaining wage.”

The discussion emphasized cost-effective educational paths and flexible grant systems to meet economic challenges.