More Degrees, Less Debt: Making College More Affordable for Massachusetts Students

Wednesday, December 12, 2018
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM EST

Obtaining an affordable college degree is becoming more and more elusive for Massachusetts students. And the burden of debt that students and families take on, whether or not the student completes a degree or certificate, is a destructive force for our economy, resulting in fewer home buyers, higher credit card debt, and lower tax revenues. This convening will highlight the connection between transparency in financial aid communications, consumer protection measures, and the reduction of debt through more financially-informed student decisions. Addressing these issues is an imperative step in closing the college attainment gap and ensuring that MA students aren’t saddled with crushing debt. We will kick the morning off with a presentation of our work on Decoding the Cost of College, then a panel discussion and Q&A on the topic. Please join us for a candid discussion on how we can all play a part in making a college degree an affordable reality for Massachusetts students.

Welcome & Opening Remarks

• Elizabeth Pauley, Associate Vice President, The Boston Foundation

Presentation of Report

• Laura Keane, Chief Policy Officer, uAspire

Panel Discussion with Q&A

Moderator 

• Tripp Jones, Founder and Principal, 21c

Panelists

• Katherine Lynch, Director of Financial Aid, University of Massachusetts Boston
• Elsa Martinez-Pimentel, Director of Program & Site Development, uAspire 
• Gabrielle Viator, Assistant Attorney General & Senior Policy Advisor, Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office

Thank you to the Boston Foundation for graciously hosting this event.
Thank you to the Barr Foundation for their ongoing support of policy work in Massachusetts.