President Obama Praises Maryland's Leadership On Affordable Higher Education

PRESIDENT OBAMA PRAISES MARYLAND’S LEADERSHIP ON AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 28, 2009) – President Barack Obama, speaking Friday in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House on his plan to improve student loans, praised Maryland’s example in keeping college tuition affordable for more middle class families. 

During his remarks, President Obama called on other states to follow Maryland’s example, challenging “state, college and university leaders to put affordability front and center as they chart a path forward.” He noted Maryland’s example, “where they're streamlining administrative costs, cutting energy costs, using faculty more effectively, making it possible for them to freeze tuition for students and for families.”

Democratic leaders across Maryland, led by Governor Martin O’Malley, fought to freeze college tuition for the fourth consecutive year, even during a challenging national economic downturn to make college more affordable.

Governor O’Malley recently sat down with college students and the University System of Maryland Board of Regents at Towson University to discuss college affordability in Maryland.  Governor O'Malley reiterated his promise to put Maryland’s families and kids first by keeping tuition affordable at Maryland’s public four-year universities.  You can read about Governor O'Malley's visit to Towson University here http://www.thetowerlight.com/md-tuition-freeze-fourth-year-1.1733699

In 2004, the University System of Maryland’s affordability ranked sixth highest in the nation (the 6^th most expensive public university system nationally). Now, thanks to Governor O’Malley and the University System of Maryland’s Board of Regents, Maryland’s ranking is expected to move to 18^th nationally.

President Obama has made education a top priority of his Administration, part of his plan to retain America’s global competitiveness in the 21^st Century.  To watch President Obama's speech to improve student loans and make college more affordable, click here.  http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/04/24/Student-Loans-Cutting-Out-the-Middle-Man/

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