Compiled by the Legislative Issues committee
Disclaimer
This information is not the opinion of MACRAO or the Legislative Issues committee. These are prioritized in terms of higher education, with information collected directly from candidate websites, and no other sources. As members of MACRAO our goal is to provide unbiased information that will encourage the reader to conduct further research on political candidates and develop their own opinions and support. In no way is this information meant to persuade members to one particular party/candidate platform. Although there are minor differences between the format of information for the candidate and incumbent, it is in relation to their own individual and party priorities, as well as the nature of their current role within the government.
Donald Trump: 2020 Presidential Education Platform
Link to the platform online: https://www.promiseskept.com/achievement/overview/education/#
- The Trump Administration implemented the year-round distribution of Pell grants, instead of limiting these grants to the spring and fall semesters.
- Low-income students will now have access to these funds over summer and winter breaks, so they can earn their degrees faster with fewer loans.
- The Trump Administration reformed the student loan servicing process to improve customer experience and lower costs.
- The Trump Administration has reformed The Free Application for Federal Student Aid to make the program more accessible to students.
Joe Biden: 2020 Presidential Education Platform
Link to the platform online: https://joebiden.com/beyondhs/
- Invest in community colleges and training to improve student success and grow a stronger, more prosperous, and more inclusive middle class.
- Biden is an advocate for free community college including for DREAMers, adult learners and part time students
- Under Biden’s plan, individuals making $25,000 or less per year will not owe any payments on their undergraduate federal student loans, those over $25,000 will pay 5% of their discretionary income toward their loans.
- Plans to target additional financial support to low-income and middle-class individuals by doubling the maximum value of Pell grants, significantly increasing the number of middle-class Americans who can participate in the program
- Investing in HBCUs, TCUs, and under-resourced MSIs to make these institutions more affordable for their students is another priority for Biden.
- Creating seamless pathways between high school, job training, community college, and four-year programs to help students get their degrees and credentials faster by investing $50 billion in high-quality training programs.