Today, the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal joined eight other organizations in endorsing the Tuition Payer Bill of Rights. The petition, created by Partners for College Affordability and Public Trust, calls for strong consumer protections for students and families who pay tuition bills.
Other signatories include Third Way, Young Invincibles, the Hildreth Institute, uAspire, Zero Debt Massachusetts, the Consumer Federation of California, and College Parents of America.
Jenna A. Robinson, president of the Martin Center, explained the Center’s support for the petition, “Too often, university students don’t get their money’s worth. That was true even before COVID. But with dorms closed and classes canceled, it’s been especially obvious. Universities should recommit to providing value to their students. This petition provides a framework to do that.”
The petition calls for six student rights, including the right to financial transparency, the right to opt-out of non-essential services and fees, and the right to know the value of a degree.
“Increased transparency helps students make more prudent decisions. It also holds universities accountable,” Robinson said.
Since 2003, the Martin Center has been a voice for excellence in higher education. “Ensuring that public investment in higher education provides value to students, taxpayers, and society has been a major driver in the Center’s work,” Robinson said. “This petition is one way to do that.”
More information about the petition can be found here.
The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal is a private, educational nonprofit focused on public policy. We advocate responsible governance, viewpoint diversity, academic quality, cost-effective education solutions, and innovative market-based reform.