Higher education should be a pathway to opportunity, not a financial burden that weighs down Louisiana’s students and families for decades. Yet, the cost of attending a public college or university in Louisiana has skyrocketed, putting higher education further out of reach for too many. I am committed to lowering tuition at state schools to ensure that every student—regardless of their financial background—has access to an affordable, high-quality education.
To achieve this, I will push for increased state funding for higher education, reversing the trend of shifting costs onto students through tuition hikes. Louisiana has underfunded its public colleges and universities for years, forcing students to take on more debt while our institutions struggle to compete. Restoring funding will allow schools to lower tuition without sacrificing academic quality or student support services. Additionally, I support expanding need-based financial aid to ensure that students from working-class and middle-class families can access college without crippling debt.
Investing in affordable higher education is an investment in Louisiana’s economy. A well-educated workforce attracts businesses, drives innovation, and strengthens our communities. By lowering tuition and making college more accessible, we can ensure that Louisiana’s students have the skills they need to succeed while keeping our best talent right here at home.