In a pivotal meeting of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, held on July 18, 2025, at the Massachusetts State House, students and advocates passionately voiced their concerns about the rising costs of education and the urgent need for debt-free public higher education. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as testimonies revealed the struggles many face in balancing academic responsibilities with financial burdens.

One student, a master's candidate in social work, shared her experience of working 20 hours a week in an unpaid assistantship while managing the demands of her coursework. She highlighted the stark reality that despite her hard work, she was unable to cover basic living expenses, relying on savings and credit cards to make ends meet. "I can only choose two things: doing well in my coursework, working enough to cover my bills, or looking after my mental health," she lamented. Her story underscored a broader issue affecting many graduate students who are often ineligible for assistance programs like SNAP, leaving them to navigate financial hardships alone.

Phyllis Keenan, a community college instructor, echoed these sentiments as she advocated for Senate Bill 929 and House Bill 1436, which aim to establish debt-free public higher education in Massachusetts. She recounted the transformative impact of debt-free education on her life and the lives of her students, sharing a success story of a single mother who, after enrolling in a community college program, was able to pursue nursing school and inspire her children to value education. "This changed her life, her kids' lives, and her community," Keenan emphasized, calling for support for legislation that would provide equitable access to education.

Aiden Pohl, a student at UMass Boston, brought attention to the stark contrast between the financial struggles of students and the escalating salaries of university administrators. He criticized the rising tuition costs and the lack of federal support for education, urging the committee to pass the proposed bills to ensure that students can thrive rather than merely survive their college experience. "We’re asking for a fair shot," he stated, highlighting the need for systemic change in how education is funded.

The committee members listened intently, acknowledging the importance of these testimonies in shaping future policies. As the meeting concluded, the urgency for reform in higher education funding was palpable, leaving attendees with a sense of hope that the voices of students and educators would lead to meaningful change in Massachusetts. The discussions not only illuminated the challenges faced by many but also reinforced the belief that investing in education is crucial for the future of the Commonwealth.