Student Debt Devalues Degrees

By: C.Harold Pierce

The deal made by Congress to increase student interest rates creates an educational roadblock.

Starting this semester, rates jump to about 3.9 percent and will continue to rise with inflation.

Since the economic downturn began in 2008, community college fees more than doubled from $20 per unit to $46 while sections dwindled and classes became crowded.

Public education in California is a right that should be attainable for all.

At the least, the federal government should support a lower interest rate.