The Louisiana Education Committee meeting on October 17, 2024, focused on significant issues surrounding student debt and the state's Compete LA program aimed at helping adults return to education. A key concern raised was the additional 30 to 40 percent fees added to tuition debts owed by former students, which many committee members deemed excessive and a barrier to re-enrollment.

Committee members discussed the implications of these fees, which are associated with debt collection processes managed by the Attorney General's office. The discussion highlighted the financial strain these additional costs impose on individuals seeking to further their education and improve their career prospects. One example cited involved a former student whose original debt of approximately $41,100 ballooned to nearly $75,100 due to these added fees.

The Compete LA program was presented as a more affordable option for returning students, with tuition costs significantly lower—about 25 to 30 percent of regular tuition rates. The program has reportedly helped over 500 Louisiana residents earn degrees who previously had some college credit but no degree. However, with an estimated 600,000 individuals in the state still holding some college credit without a degree, committee members acknowledged the ongoing need for initiatives to support these students.

The meeting concluded with a call for potential legislative action to revisit the fee structure associated with student debt collection, emphasizing the importance of making education more accessible for all Louisiana residents. The committee expressed a willingness to engage in further discussions to explore solutions that could alleviate the financial burdens faced by former students.