Former President Joe Biden introduced over 40 policies aimed at improving higher education. His focus was on reducing financial stress for students, making college more accessible, and protecting student rights. This included notable efforts in student loan relief, expanded federal grants, and bolstered Title IX protections, all of which significantly influenced students at Temple University and beyond.
However, Biden’s educational legacy remains uncertain, especially with new policies being discussed that could reverse his initiatives. Mark Huelsman from The Hope Center describes Biden’s legacy on higher education as “unfinished.” He believes there’s still more to be done and that the effects of Biden’s policies are still unfolding.
Student Loan Relief
In the past, students viewed loans as a sensible investment, expecting their degrees would lead to good jobs that would help them repay their debts. Today, rising costs and inflation have changed that perspective. Since 1989, tuition has surged by 181.3%, straining students’ finances even further, especially post-COVID-19.
Biden’s administration directed significant emergency aid to places like Temple to help manage pandemic-related expenses. The aid not only addressed urgent needs but also aimed at improving infrastructure for future challenges.
In 2023, the Saving on A Valuable Education (SAVE) plan emerged, designed to lower monthly loan payments and offer loan forgiveness. So far, it has eliminated over $188 billion in student debt, which includes new relief for 5 million borrowers. In Pennsylvania, around 5,600 students benefited from this program, with thousands more in nearby New Jersey and Delaware.
Kiyah Hamilton, from Temple Student Government, highlighted the importance of these changes for first-generation college students, emphasizing that education should be accessible without risking financial stability.
Increases in Federal Grants
Pell Grants are vital for many low-income students. Under Biden, these grants saw their largest increase in years, with the maximum award rising by $900. Currently, nearly half of the incoming Class of 2028 at Temple receives Pell Grants, the highest percentage ever recorded at the university.
In a notable move, the Biden administration restored Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated students, granting them a chance for education again. Lourdes Cardamone, president of Temple Democrats, stressed the value of these policies, even if future changes could alter or reverse them.
Title IX Enhancements
Title IX, which protects students from discrimination in education, has transformed significantly under Biden. On his first day, he began reviewing previous policies to ensure better protections for students. By midsummer 2024, updates had greatly broadened the rights of LGBTQ+ students, enhanced safeguards for victims of sexual assault, and removed the requirement for live cross-examinations in such cases.
These changes aimed to give schools greater flexibility in handling sensitive situations while prioritizing the well-being of survivors. Cardamone pointed out the importance of these efforts given the prevalence of sexual violence among college-aged women.
Despite these advancements, the Trump administration has indicated intentions to challenge Biden’s revisions. Any legislative shifts could dramatically reshape Title IX protections moving forward.
Biden’s Educational Legacy
As Biden’s term progressed, he proposed additional measures like a Pell Grant increase and funds for community colleges and minority-serving institutions. His last budget plan for fiscal 2025 included a $12 million initiative to support open educational resources.
With the political landscape continually changing, the future of Biden’s educational policies remains uncertain. Huelsman emphasizes that recognizing student debt as a significant burden is crucial to understanding the ongoing need for reform in financial aid and higher education systems.
