When will DC TAG be expanded??

[Anonymous]

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jsteele wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

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jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Never. Poor kids can get financial aid. DC is broke and isn't going to spend more money to subsidize upper middle class kids' college degrees

It's federal money so it doesn't cost DC anything.

In 2021 Eleanor Holmes Norton succeeded in getting the House to pass an expanded program. But, that language was stripped by the Senate. Expanding DC TAG is normally one of Norton's priorities so I am sure she will keep trying. This year she may be distracted with the RFK transfer. You can read the discussion about Norton's previous attempt here:

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/990354.page

I am not sure if she did anything with regard to DC TAG last year. If she did, I didn't hear about it.

Sh didn't. I kept expecting to see the announcement for an increase to $15,000. I mean, sure, the program was meant to close the gap between in state and OOS tuition, but the exponential rise in tuition makes this a nice grant, but nothing close to par. One thing people should know...it is now means tested.

That's too bad. The point of it was for DC residents to have some parity with the opportunities in the 50 states.

It's called UDC. If DC wants a research university, they can fund one. DC Tag should be cancelled or extended to all Americans

Then DC can tax MD and VA residents working in DC.

A commuter tax is prohibited by the Home Rule Act.

With the declining fiscal picture in DC I would NOT expect this amount to be increased any time soon.

Once again, DC TAG is federally funded. It has nothing to do with DC 's fiscal picture.

But DC should invest more in higher ed. In MD or VA my tax dollars would get me access to a range of more affordable colleges.

Virginia has 8.6 million residents, which is more than 10 times D.C.'s population. Maryland has 6.2 million. For D.C. to have even just one campus that's even just the same size as the UMD or UVA flagships, let alone on the same level of quality, would require raising taxes significantly on the residents we have.

UDC does now have a community college branch that's similar in affordability to Montgomery College or Nova Community College, though.

Perhaps it is similar in affordability, but not in quality. MoCo College and NVCC are among the best community colleges in the country. DC's is among the worst.

At least for schools like these TAG is great…assume it brings the cost to nearly $0.

These are not four year colleges. Families that stay in DC through HS deserve a break. The $$ is nominal. If the federal government want to insist we can’t have self determination then they can pony up the pittance to bring college costs on par with the average US state college.

This sentiment is silly (and I plan for my kids to graduate from DCPS high schools in a few years). Families don't "deserve" money just for living in D.C. If anything, they should be means-testing this benefit so it isn't primarily giving upper NW residents (like me) a discount on Big 10 schools.

What in the world? Don’t you have friends and relatives living in other states? Why do you think its somehow out of bounds to want affordable access to a public university?

+1. Do wealthy people in Virginia not get in state tuition rates for UVA and W&M? Or is in state tuition means tested? DC TAG actually is means tested, but given the purpose of the program - to try to provide an in state tuition option for kids who don't live in a state, that is just wrong.

I read this and wonder a few things. First, whether you know how DC TAG is funded. And second, do you not know or understand why there are different tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state at public colleges and universities.

Huh? PP’s point is that higher ed is not means tested in other states. Why should it be in DC?

UDC has in-state and out-of-state tuition rates, just like every other public college and university in the country. If you want to pay in-state tuition, then go to UDC. If you are unhappy with the quality of offerings at UDC, tell the DC government to fund it better.

OP of this thread here. DC doesn’t WANT to fund UDC appropriately to turn it into a regionally respected research university (a la UMBC’s transformation). That’s the whole point. When you look at how much other states pay for higher ed, DC cheaps out extremely, even adding TAG and the UDC budget. Yet we pay the same taxes. DC needs to either increase TAG or improve UDC. I would love to see them improve UDC.

DCTAG is paid by Federal taxes.

Most public universities are heavily funded by federal money.

What about UDC?

Hard to get research grants without research

The average state per capita higher education in the US is $968. DC spends $223. The second lowest state spending on higher education per capita is Florida at $576. Maryland spends $1152 and Virginia $1020 per capita.

If DC bothers to spend more on UDC, perhaps it could have a reputable faculty and accreditation so that it could also attract Federal research grants.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Never. Poor kids can get financial aid. DC is broke and isn't going to spend more money to subsidize upper middle class kids' college degrees

It's federal money so it doesn't cost DC anything.

In 2021 Eleanor Holmes Norton succeeded in getting the House to pass an expanded program. But, that language was stripped by the Senate. Expanding DC TAG is normally one of Norton's priorities so I am sure she will keep trying. This year she may be distracted with the RFK transfer. You can read the discussion about Norton's previous attempt here:

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/990354.page

I am not sure if she did anything with regard to DC TAG last year. If she did, I didn't hear about it.

Sh didn't. I kept expecting to see the announcement for an increase to $15,000. I mean, sure, the program was meant to close the gap between in state and OOS tuition, but the exponential rise in tuition makes this a nice grant, but nothing close to par. One thing people should know...it is now means tested.

That's too bad. The point of it was for DC residents to have some parity with the opportunities in the 50 states.

It's called UDC. If DC wants a research university, they can fund one. DC Tag should be cancelled or extended to all Americans

Then DC can tax MD and VA residents working in DC.

A commuter tax is prohibited by the Home Rule Act.

With the declining fiscal picture in DC I would NOT expect this amount to be increased any time soon.

Once again, DC TAG is federally funded. It has nothing to do with DC 's fiscal picture.

But DC should invest more in higher ed. In MD or VA my tax dollars would get me access to a range of more affordable colleges.

Virginia has 8.6 million residents, which is more than 10 times D.C.'s population. Maryland has 6.2 million. For D.C. to have even just one campus that's even just the same size as the UMD or UVA flagships, let alone on the same level of quality, would require raising taxes significantly on the residents we have.

UDC does now have a community college branch that's similar in affordability to Montgomery College or Nova Community College, though.

Perhaps it is similar in affordability, but not in quality. MoCo College and NVCC are among the best community colleges in the country. DC's is among the worst.

At least for schools like these TAG is great…assume it brings the cost to nearly $0.

These are not four year colleges. Families that stay in DC through HS deserve a break. The $$ is nominal. If the federal government want to insist we can’t have self determination then they can pony up the pittance to bring college costs on par with the average US state college.

This sentiment is silly (and I plan for my kids to graduate from DCPS high schools in a few years). Families don't "deserve" money just for living in D.C. If anything, they should be means-testing this benefit so it isn't primarily giving upper NW residents (like me) a discount on Big 10 schools.

Narrator: It is means tested already.

Is it? I'm not aware of any income limits on who's eligible for it.

Literally means tested for years.

https://osse.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/osse/publication/attachments/Information%20on%20DCTAG%20Maximum%20Income_2023.pdf

Ah, I didn't know this because my household earns well under the cap. Which, honestly, is a sign the cap should be lower.

DC makes the cap so high so rich people don't have another reason to move to MD or VA. They pay a lot more in taxes over 18+ years than DC "loses" in giving UMC kids some federal DCTAG money.

The more people who use a program, the more broad support there is for it.

They halved the cap while DC was in HS. We would have moved. They should have grandfathered kids in who were MS + HS. You get in-state tuition for every other state at any income level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Never. Poor kids can get financial aid. DC is broke and isn't going to spend more money to subsidize upper middle class kids' college degrees

It's federal money so it doesn't cost DC anything.

In 2021 Eleanor Holmes Norton succeeded in getting the House to pass an expanded program. But, that language was stripped by the Senate. Expanding DC TAG is normally one of Norton's priorities so I am sure she will keep trying. This year she may be distracted with the RFK transfer. You can read the discussion about Norton's previous attempt here:

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/990354.page

I am not sure if she did anything with regard to DC TAG last year. If she did, I didn't hear about it.

Sh didn't. I kept expecting to see the announcement for an increase to $15,000. I mean, sure, the program was meant to close the gap between in state and OOS tuition, but the exponential rise in tuition makes this a nice grant, but nothing close to par. One thing people should know...it is now means tested.

That's too bad. The point of it was for DC residents to have some parity with the opportunities in the 50 states.

It's called UDC. If DC wants a research university, they can fund one. DC Tag should be cancelled or extended to all Americans

Then DC can tax MD and VA residents working in DC.

A commuter tax is prohibited by the Home Rule Act.

With the declining fiscal picture in DC I would NOT expect this amount to be increased any time soon.

Once again, DC TAG is federally funded. It has nothing to do with DC 's fiscal picture.

But DC should invest more in higher ed. In MD or VA my tax dollars would get me access to a range of more affordable colleges.

Virginia has 8.6 million residents, which is more than 10 times D.C.'s population. Maryland has 6.2 million. For D.C. to have even just one campus that's even just the same size as the UMD or UVA flagships, let alone on the same level of quality, would require raising taxes significantly on the residents we have.

UDC does now have a community college branch that's similar in affordability to Montgomery College or Nova Community College, though.

Perhaps it is similar in affordability, but not in quality. MoCo College and NVCC are among the best community colleges in the country. DC's is among the worst.

At least for schools like these TAG is great…assume it brings the cost to nearly $0.

These are not four year colleges. Families that stay in DC through HS deserve a break. The $$ is nominal. If the federal government want to insist we can’t have self determination then they can pony up the pittance to bring college costs on par with the average US state college.

This sentiment is silly (and I plan for my kids to graduate from DCPS high schools in a few years). Families don't "deserve" money just for living in D.C. If anything, they should be means-testing this benefit so it isn't primarily giving upper NW residents (like me) a discount on Big 10 schools.

Narrator: It is means tested already.

Is it? I'm not aware of any income limits on who's eligible for it.

Literally means tested for years.

https://osse.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/osse/publication/attachments/Information%20on%20DCTAG%20Maximum%20Income_2023.pdf

Ah, I didn't know this because my household earns well under the cap. Which, honestly, is a sign the cap should be lower.

DC makes the cap so high so rich people don't have another reason to move to MD or VA. They pay a lot more in taxes over 18+ years than DC "loses" in giving UMC kids some federal DCTAG money.

The more people who use a program, the more broad support there is for it.

The political incentives for DCTAG are a complete mess, though -- it's a federal program, so even if every household in D.C. used it, it wouldn't be broadly taken advantage of nationwide, plus the people eligible for it can't vote for someone who has a vote on whether to extend/expand/end/whatever it. The cap being higher or lower has virtually no effect on support for this program among the people who determine its future, none of whom represent anyone who can possibly use it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Never. Poor kids can get financial aid. DC is broke and isn't going to spend more money to subsidize upper middle class kids' college degrees

It's federal money so it doesn't cost DC anything.

In 2021 Eleanor Holmes Norton succeeded in getting the House to pass an expanded program. But, that language was stripped by the Senate. Expanding DC TAG is normally one of Norton's priorities so I am sure she will keep trying. This year she may be distracted with the RFK transfer. You can read the discussion about Norton's previous attempt here:

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/990354.page

I am not sure if she did anything with regard to DC TAG last year. If she did, I didn't hear about it.

Sh didn't. I kept expecting to see the announcement for an increase to $15,000. I mean, sure, the program was meant to close the gap between in state and OOS tuition, but the exponential rise in tuition makes this a nice grant, but nothing close to par. One thing people should know...it is now means tested.

That's too bad. The point of it was for DC residents to have some parity with the opportunities in the 50 states.

It's called UDC. If DC wants a research university, they can fund one. DC Tag should be cancelled or extended to all Americans

Then DC can tax MD and VA residents working in DC.

A commuter tax is prohibited by the Home Rule Act.

With the declining fiscal picture in DC I would NOT expect this amount to be increased any time soon.

Once again, DC TAG is federally funded. It has nothing to do with DC 's fiscal picture.

But DC should invest more in higher ed. In MD or VA my tax dollars would get me access to a range of more affordable colleges.

Virginia has 8.6 million residents, which is more than 10 times D.C.'s population. Maryland has 6.2 million. For D.C. to have even just one campus that's even just the same size as the UMD or UVA flagships, let alone on the same level of quality, would require raising taxes significantly on the residents we have.

UDC does now have a community college branch that's similar in affordability to Montgomery College or Nova Community College, though.

Perhaps it is similar in affordability, but not in quality. MoCo College and NVCC are among the best community colleges in the country. DC's is among the worst.

At least for schools like these TAG is great…assume it brings the cost to nearly $0.

These are not four year colleges. Families that stay in DC through HS deserve a break. The $$ is nominal. If the federal government want to insist we can’t have self determination then they can pony up the pittance to bring college costs on par with the average US state college.

This sentiment is silly (and I plan for my kids to graduate from DCPS high schools in a few years). Families don't "deserve" money just for living in D.C. If anything, they should be means-testing this benefit so it isn't primarily giving upper NW residents (like me) a discount on Big 10 schools.

What in the world? Don’t you have friends and relatives living in other states? Why do you think its somehow out of bounds to want affordable access to a public university?

+1. Do wealthy people in Virginia not get in state tuition rates for UVA and W&M? Or is in state tuition means tested? DC TAG actually is means tested, but given the purpose of the program - to try to provide an in state tuition option for kids who don't live in a state, that is just wrong.

I read this and wonder a few things. First, whether you know how DC TAG is funded. And second, do you not know or understand why there are different tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state at public colleges and universities.

Huh? PP’s point is that higher ed is not means tested in other states. Why should it be in DC?

UDC has in-state and out-of-state tuition rates, just like every other public college and university in the country. If you want to pay in-state tuition, then go to UDC. If you are unhappy with the quality of offerings at UDC, tell the DC government to fund it better.

OP of this thread here. DC doesn’t WANT to fund UDC appropriately to turn it into a regionally respected research university (a la UMBC’s transformation). That’s the whole point. When you look at how much other states pay for higher ed, DC cheaps out extremely, even adding TAG and the UDC budget. Yet we pay the same taxes. DC needs to either increase TAG or improve UDC. I would love to see them improve UDC.

D.C. doesn't pay for TAG at all.

[Anonymous]

Would gladly shut down UDC and require to DC to contribute that money to a federal pot if it meant DC kids could get in-state tuition anywhere in the country.

-DC Resident

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would gladly shut down UDC and require to DC to contribute that money to a federal pot if it meant DC kids could get in-state tuition anywhere in the country.

-DC Resident

Following up on this - what DC really needs is a strong community college. And located somewhere more convenient than Ward 3. If you got rid of UDC and DCTAG in exchange for in-state tuition anywhere else in the country, those of lower means in DC could knock out the first two years at DC-CC and then transfer to UMD, GMU, or anywhere else in the country to finish up the final two years at in-state prices. Or finish up at Howard, Catholic U, GWU, etc.

UDC's graduation rate is abysmal - only 35% within six years!

https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/edu/131399/university-of-the-district-of-columbia/graduation/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would gladly shut down UDC and require to DC to contribute that money to a federal pot if it meant DC kids could get in-state tuition anywhere in the country.

-DC Resident

Following up on this - what DC really needs is a strong community college. And located somewhere more convenient than Ward 3. If you got rid of UDC and DCTAG in exchange for in-state tuition anywhere else in the country, those of lower means in DC could knock out the first two years at DC-CC and then transfer to UMD, GMU, or anywhere else in the country to finish up the final two years at in-state prices. Or finish up at Howard, Catholic U, GWU, etc.

UDC's graduation rate is abysmal - only 35% within six years!

https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/edu/131399/university-of-the-district-of-columbia/graduation/

UDC offers AA degrees.

Many years ago the idea was put forward with money behind it to move UDC to St Elizabeth’s so it could have a proper campus closer to most students. The idea was shot down because it was thought to be racist. I’m not kidding.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Never. Poor kids can get financial aid. DC is broke and isn't going to spend more money to subsidize upper middle class kids' college degrees

It's federal money so it doesn't cost DC anything.

In 2021 Eleanor Holmes Norton succeeded in getting the House to pass an expanded program. But, that language was stripped by the Senate. Expanding DC TAG is normally one of Norton's priorities so I am sure she will keep trying. This year she may be distracted with the RFK transfer. You can read the discussion about Norton's previous attempt here:

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/990354.page

I am not sure if she did anything with regard to DC TAG last year. If she did, I didn't hear about it.

Sh didn't. I kept expecting to see the announcement for an increase to $15,000. I mean, sure, the program was meant to close the gap between in state and OOS tuition, but the exponential rise in tuition makes this a nice grant, but nothing close to par. One thing people should know...it is now means tested.

That's too bad. The point of it was for DC residents to have some parity with the opportunities in the 50 states.

It's called UDC. If DC wants a research university, they can fund one. DC Tag should be cancelled or extended to all Americans

Then DC can tax MD and VA residents working in DC.

A commuter tax is prohibited by the Home Rule Act.

With the declining fiscal picture in DC I would NOT expect this amount to be increased any time soon.

Once again, DC TAG is federally funded. It has nothing to do with DC 's fiscal picture.

But DC should invest more in higher ed. In MD or VA my tax dollars would get me access to a range of more affordable colleges.

Virginia has 8.6 million residents, which is more than 10 times D.C.'s population. Maryland has 6.2 million. For D.C. to have even just one campus that's even just the same size as the UMD or UVA flagships, let alone on the same level of quality, would require raising taxes significantly on the residents we have.

UDC does now have a community college branch that's similar in affordability to Montgomery College or Nova Community College, though.

Perhaps it is similar in affordability, but not in quality. MoCo College and NVCC are among the best community colleges in the country. DC's is among the worst.

At least for schools like these TAG is great…assume it brings the cost to nearly $0.

These are not four year colleges. Families that stay in DC through HS deserve a break. The $$ is nominal. If the federal government want to insist we can’t have self determination then they can pony up the pittance to bring college costs on par with the average US state college.

This sentiment is silly (and I plan for my kids to graduate from DCPS high schools in a few years). Families don't "deserve" money just for living in D.C. If anything, they should be means-testing this benefit so it isn't primarily giving upper NW residents (like me) a discount on Big 10 schools.

Narrator: It is means tested already.

Is it? I'm not aware of any income limits on who's eligible for it.

Literally means tested for years.

https://osse.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/osse/publication/attachments/Information%20on%20DCTAG%20Maximum%20Income_2023.pdf

Ah, I didn't know this because my household earns well under the cap. Which, honestly, is a sign the cap should be lower.

DC makes the cap so high so rich people don't have another reason to move to MD or VA. They pay a lot more in taxes over 18+ years than DC "loses" in giving UMC kids some federal DCTAG money.

The more people who use a program, the more broad support there is for it.

The political incentives for DCTAG are a complete mess, though -- it's a federal program, so even if every household in D.C. used it, it wouldn't be broadly taken advantage of nationwide, plus the people eligible for it can't vote for someone who has a vote on whether to extend/expand/end/whatever it. The cap being higher or lower has virtually no effect on support for this program among the people who determine its future, none of whom represent anyone who can possibly use it.

DC people really do live in a different reality. I don’t think you could have a better example of hand out culture if you tried. What was originally set up as a pity program is now seen as an entitlement.

Here’s a better idea: tell the mayor and the Council to fund UDC at an adequate level. Tell UDC to go out and solicit donations from alumni and corporations. Tell UDC faculty to go out and get grants. Tell UDC to raise tuition. You know, the things that every other state university does to fund itself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would gladly shut down UDC and require to DC to contribute that money to a federal pot if it meant DC kids could get in-state tuition anywhere in the country.

-DC Resident

Following up on this - what DC really needs is a strong community college. And located somewhere more convenient than Ward 3. If you got rid of UDC and DCTAG in exchange for in-state tuition anywhere else in the country, those of lower means in DC could knock out the first two years at DC-CC and then transfer to UMD, GMU, or anywhere else in the country to finish up the final two years at in-state prices. Or finish up at Howard, Catholic U, GWU, etc.

UDC's graduation rate is abysmal - only 35% within six years!

https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/edu/131399/university-of-the-district-of-columbia/graduation/

UDC offers AA degrees.

Many years ago the idea was put forward with money behind it to move UDC to St Elizabeth’s so it could have a proper campus closer to most students. The idea was shot down because it was thought to be racist. I’m not kidding.

Yep! Lots of hand-wringing in the Post over how racist the move would be. Foreshadowing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would gladly shut down UDC and require to DC to contribute that money to a federal pot if it meant DC kids could get in-state tuition anywhere in the country.

-DC Resident

Following up on this - what DC really needs is a strong community college. And located somewhere more convenient than Ward 3. If you got rid of UDC and DCTAG in exchange for in-state tuition anywhere else in the country, those of lower means in DC could knock out the first two years at DC-CC and then transfer to UMD, GMU, or anywhere else in the country to finish up the final two years at in-state prices. Or finish up at Howard, Catholic U, GWU, etc.

UDC's graduation rate is abysmal - only 35% within six years!

https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/edu/131399/university-of-the-district-of-columbia/graduation/

UDC offers AA degrees.

Many years ago the idea was put forward with money behind it to move UDC to St Elizabeth’s so it could have a proper campus closer to most students. The idea was shot down because it was thought to be racist. I’m not kidding.

Who could've guessed that giving Ward 7 and Ward 8 young adults a long 60+ minute commute each way - likely on top of a part-time job - would be terrible for graduation rates? Take out loans to go to UDC and then don't graduate. Brilliant maneuvering by our politicos.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Never. Poor kids can get financial aid. DC is broke and isn't going to spend more money to subsidize upper middle class kids' college degrees

It's federal money so it doesn't cost DC anything.

In 2021 Eleanor Holmes Norton succeeded in getting the House to pass an expanded program. But, that language was stripped by the Senate. Expanding DC TAG is normally one of Norton's priorities so I am sure she will keep trying. This year she may be distracted with the RFK transfer. You can read the discussion about Norton's previous attempt here:

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/990354.page

I am not sure if she did anything with regard to DC TAG last year. If she did, I didn't hear about it.

Sh didn't. I kept expecting to see the announcement for an increase to $15,000. I mean, sure, the program was meant to close the gap between in state and OOS tuition, but the exponential rise in tuition makes this a nice grant, but nothing close to par. One thing people should know...it is now means tested.

That's too bad. The point of it was for DC residents to have some parity with the opportunities in the 50 states.

It's called UDC. If DC wants a research university, they can fund one. DC Tag should be cancelled or extended to all Americans

Then DC can tax MD and VA residents working in DC.

A commuter tax is prohibited by the Home Rule Act.

With the declining fiscal picture in DC I would NOT expect this amount to be increased any time soon.

Once again, DC TAG is federally funded. It has nothing to do with DC 's fiscal picture.

But DC should invest more in higher ed. In MD or VA my tax dollars would get me access to a range of more affordable colleges.

Virginia has 8.6 million residents, which is more than 10 times D.C.'s population. Maryland has 6.2 million. For D.C. to have even just one campus that's even just the same size as the UMD or UVA flagships, let alone on the same level of quality, would require raising taxes significantly on the residents we have.

UDC does now have a community college branch that's similar in affordability to Montgomery College or Nova Community College, though.

Perhaps it is similar in affordability, but not in quality. MoCo College and NVCC are among the best community colleges in the country. DC's is among the worst.

At least for schools like these TAG is great…assume it brings the cost to nearly $0.

These are not four year colleges. Families that stay in DC through HS deserve a break. The $$ is nominal. If the federal government want to insist we can’t have self determination then they can pony up the pittance to bring college costs on par with the average US state college.

This sentiment is silly (and I plan for my kids to graduate from DCPS high schools in a few years). Families don't "deserve" money just for living in D.C. If anything, they should be means-testing this benefit so it isn't primarily giving upper NW residents (like me) a discount on Big 10 schools.

Narrator: It is means tested already.

Is it? I'm not aware of any income limits on who's eligible for it.

Literally means tested for years.

https://osse.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/osse/publication/attachments/Information%20on%20DCTAG%20Maximum%20Income_2023.pdf

Ah, I didn't know this because my household earns well under the cap. Which, honestly, is a sign the cap should be lower.

DC makes the cap so high so rich people don't have another reason to move to MD or VA. They pay a lot more in taxes over 18+ years than DC "loses" in giving UMC kids some federal DCTAG money.

The more people who use a program, the more broad support there is for it.

The political incentives for DCTAG are a complete mess, though -- it's a federal program, so even if every household in D.C. used it, it wouldn't be broadly taken advantage of nationwide, plus the people eligible for it can't vote for someone who has a vote on whether to extend/expand/end/whatever it. The cap being higher or lower has virtually no effect on support for this program among the people who determine its future, none of whom represent anyone who can possibly use it.

DC people really do live in a different reality. I don’t think you could have a better example of hand out culture if you tried. What was originally set up as a pity program is now seen as an entitlement.

Here’s a better idea: tell the mayor and the Council to fund UDC at an adequate level. Tell UDC to go out and solicit donations from alumni and corporations. Tell UDC faculty to go out and get grants. Tell UDC to raise tuition. You know, the things that every other state university does to fund itself.

UDC will never be adequately funded as the District does not have a large enough tax base. The funding basis for powerhouse state schools is to tax the entire state and redistribute to the university system.

And can you point me to this wealth-off alumni base of UDC?!?! That's a laughable suggestion.

I get that UDC is a long-standing source of pride as an African-American land grant college. But there's soooooo many better options nearby that successfully graduate students on time and have strong professional networks + traditional college experiences - Howard, Bowie, Morgan State, etc. It would be better if DC young adults could just attend those at in-state prices.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would gladly shut down UDC and require to DC to contribute that money to a federal pot if it meant DC kids could get in-state tuition anywhere in the country.

-DC Resident

In-state tuition anywhere in the country would be amazing for D.C. residents, but I still don't see why any other state would want to agree to it. There's no way D.C. and the feds combined would kick in enough money to cover the full cost difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition for D.C. students. And it's not like most public universities -- especially affordable ones -- are in dire need of applicants such that they need to offer some incentive to D.C. residents to look there. Why would this come to pass, other than because it'd be good?

[Anonymous]

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jsteele wrote:

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jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Never. Poor kids can get financial aid. DC is broke and isn't going to spend more money to subsidize upper middle class kids' college degrees

It's federal money so it doesn't cost DC anything.

In 2021 Eleanor Holmes Norton succeeded in getting the House to pass an expanded program. But, that language was stripped by the Senate. Expanding DC TAG is normally one of Norton's priorities so I am sure she will keep trying. This year she may be distracted with the RFK transfer. You can read the discussion about Norton's previous attempt here:

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/990354.page

I am not sure if she did anything with regard to DC TAG last year. If she did, I didn't hear about it.

Sh didn't. I kept expecting to see the announcement for an increase to $15,000. I mean, sure, the program was meant to close the gap between in state and OOS tuition, but the exponential rise in tuition makes this a nice grant, but nothing close to par. One thing people should know...it is now means tested.

That's too bad. The point of it was for DC residents to have some parity with the opportunities in the 50 states.

It's called UDC. If DC wants a research university, they can fund one. DC Tag should be cancelled or extended to all Americans

Then DC can tax MD and VA residents working in DC.

A commuter tax is prohibited by the Home Rule Act.

With the declining fiscal picture in DC I would NOT expect this amount to be increased any time soon.

Once again, DC TAG is federally funded. It has nothing to do with DC 's fiscal picture.

But DC should invest more in higher ed. In MD or VA my tax dollars would get me access to a range of more affordable colleges.

Virginia has 8.6 million residents, which is more than 10 times D.C.'s population. Maryland has 6.2 million. For D.C. to have even just one campus that's even just the same size as the UMD or UVA flagships, let alone on the same level of quality, would require raising taxes significantly on the residents we have.

UDC does now have a community college branch that's similar in affordability to Montgomery College or Nova Community College, though.

Perhaps it is similar in affordability, but not in quality. MoCo College and NVCC are among the best community colleges in the country. DC's is among the worst.

At least for schools like these TAG is great…assume it brings the cost to nearly $0.

These are not four year colleges. Families that stay in DC through HS deserve a break. The $$ is nominal. If the federal government want to insist we can’t have self determination then they can pony up the pittance to bring college costs on par with the average US state college.

This sentiment is silly (and I plan for my kids to graduate from DCPS high schools in a few years). Families don't "deserve" money just for living in D.C. If anything, they should be means-testing this benefit so it isn't primarily giving upper NW residents (like me) a discount on Big 10 schools.

Narrator: It is means tested already.

Is it? I'm not aware of any income limits on who's eligible for it.

Literally means tested for years.

https://osse.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/osse/publication/attachments/Information%20on%20DCTAG%20Maximum%20Income_2023.pdf

Ah, I didn't know this because my household earns well under the cap. Which, honestly, is a sign the cap should be lower.

DC makes the cap so high so rich people don't have another reason to move to MD or VA. They pay a lot more in taxes over 18+ years than DC "loses" in giving UMC kids some federal DCTAG money.

The more people who use a program, the more broad support there is for it.

The political incentives for DCTAG are a complete mess, though -- it's a federal program, so even if every household in D.C. used it, it wouldn't be broadly taken advantage of nationwide, plus the people eligible for it can't vote for someone who has a vote on whether to extend/expand/end/whatever it. The cap being higher or lower has virtually no effect on support for this program among the people who determine its future, none of whom represent anyone who can possibly use it.

DC people really do live in a different reality. I don’t think you could have a better example of hand out culture if you tried. What was originally set up as a pity program is now seen as an entitlement.

Here’s a better idea: tell the mayor and the Council to fund UDC at an adequate level. Tell UDC to go out and solicit donations from alumni and corporations. Tell UDC faculty to go out and get grants. Tell UDC to raise tuition. You know, the things that every other state university does to fund itself.

UDC will never be adequately funded as the District does not have a large enough tax base. The funding basis for powerhouse state schools is to tax the entire state and redistribute to the university system.

And can you point me to this wealth-off alumni base of UDC?!?! That's a laughable suggestion.

I get that UDC is a long-standing source of pride as an African-American land grant college. But there's soooooo many better options nearby that successfully graduate students on time and have strong professional networks + traditional college experiences - Howard, Bowie, Morgan State, etc. It would be better if DC young adults could just attend those at in-state prices.

Utter nonsense. The DC budget is over $20 billion dollars. The budget for the entire state of Maryland is $60 billion. The budget for Montgomery County is $7 billion. DC has plenty of money to fund higher education. It just chooses not to. It’s another reason why DC will never be a state.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Never. Poor kids can get financial aid. DC is broke and isn't going to spend more money to subsidize upper middle class kids' college degrees

It's federal money so it doesn't cost DC anything.

In 2021 Eleanor Holmes Norton succeeded in getting the House to pass an expanded program. But, that language was stripped by the Senate. Expanding DC TAG is normally one of Norton's priorities so I am sure she will keep trying. This year she may be distracted with the RFK transfer. You can read the discussion about Norton's previous attempt here:

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/990354.page

I am not sure if she did anything with regard to DC TAG last year. If she did, I didn't hear about it.

Sh didn't. I kept expecting to see the announcement for an increase to $15,000. I mean, sure, the program was meant to close the gap between in state and OOS tuition, but the exponential rise in tuition makes this a nice grant, but nothing close to par. One thing people should know...it is now means tested.

That's too bad. The point of it was for DC residents to have some parity with the opportunities in the 50 states.

It's called UDC. If DC wants a research university, they can fund one. DC Tag should be cancelled or extended to all Americans

Then DC can tax MD and VA residents working in DC.

A commuter tax is prohibited by the Home Rule Act.

With the declining fiscal picture in DC I would NOT expect this amount to be increased any time soon.

Once again, DC TAG is federally funded. It has nothing to do with DC 's fiscal picture.

But DC should invest more in higher ed. In MD or VA my tax dollars would get me access to a range of more affordable colleges.

Virginia has 8.6 million residents, which is more than 10 times D.C.'s population. Maryland has 6.2 million. For D.C. to have even just one campus that's even just the same size as the UMD or UVA flagships, let alone on the same level of quality, would require raising taxes significantly on the residents we have.

UDC does now have a community college branch that's similar in affordability to Montgomery College or Nova Community College, though.

Perhaps it is similar in affordability, but not in quality. MoCo College and NVCC are among the best community colleges in the country. DC's is among the worst.

At least for schools like these TAG is great…assume it brings the cost to nearly $0.

These are not four year colleges. Families that stay in DC through HS deserve a break. The $$ is nominal. If the federal government want to insist we can’t have self determination then they can pony up the pittance to bring college costs on par with the average US state college.

This sentiment is silly (and I plan for my kids to graduate from DCPS high schools in a few years). Families don't "deserve" money just for living in D.C. If anything, they should be means-testing this benefit so it isn't primarily giving upper NW residents (like me) a discount on Big 10 schools.

Narrator: It is means tested already.

Is it? I'm not aware of any income limits on who's eligible for it.

Literally means tested for years.

https://osse.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/osse/publication/attachments/Information%20on%20DCTAG%20Maximum%20Income_2023.pdf

Ah, I didn't know this because my household earns well under the cap. Which, honestly, is a sign the cap should be lower.

DC makes the cap so high so rich people don't have another reason to move to MD or VA. They pay a lot more in taxes over 18+ years than DC "loses" in giving UMC kids some federal DCTAG money.

The more people who use a program, the more broad support there is for it.

The political incentives for DCTAG are a complete mess, though -- it's a federal program, so even if every household in D.C. used it, it wouldn't be broadly taken advantage of nationwide, plus the people eligible for it can't vote for someone who has a vote on whether to extend/expand/end/whatever it. The cap being higher or lower has virtually no effect on support for this program among the people who determine its future, none of whom represent anyone who can possibly use it.

DC people really do live in a different reality. I don’t think you could have a better example of hand out culture if you tried. What was originally set up as a pity program is now seen as an entitlement.

Here’s a better idea: tell the mayor and the Council to fund UDC at an adequate level. Tell UDC to go out and solicit donations from alumni and corporations. Tell UDC faculty to go out and get grants. Tell UDC to raise tuition. You know, the things that every other state university does to fund itself.

UDC will never be adequately funded as the District does not have a large enough tax base. The funding basis for powerhouse state schools is to tax the entire state and redistribute to the university system.

And can you point me to this wealth-off alumni base of UDC?!?! That's a laughable suggestion.

I get that UDC is a long-standing source of pride as an African-American land grant college. But there's soooooo many better options nearby that successfully graduate students on time and have strong professional networks + traditional college experiences - Howard, Bowie, Morgan State, etc. It would be better if DC young adults could just attend those at in-state prices.

Utter nonsense. The DC budget is over $20 billion dollars. The budget for the entire state of Maryland is $60 billion. The budget for Montgomery County is $7 billion. DC has plenty of money to fund higher education. It just chooses not to. It’s another reason why DC will never be a state.

It's true D.C. would have the money to fund education at about the scale Montgomery County does, but it's also true that a lot of that $20 billion represents payments for state-like functions that Montgomery County doesn't engage in, so these direct $$ comparisons are sort of unhelpful. D.C. probably could stand up a proper public university that's on par with non-flagship state schools nearby if it wanted to. Would be interesting to see how that unfolded if someone in public office were to make a serious push for it.

I disagree with the idea that D.C. shouldn't become a state because it hasn't chosen to spend money in this way, though; statehood shouldn't be some kind of reward for "good" behavior. D.C. residents don't need to earn democracy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would gladly shut down UDC and require to DC to contribute that money to a federal pot if it meant DC kids could get in-state tuition anywhere in the country.

-DC Resident

Following up on this - what DC really needs is a strong community college. And located somewhere more convenient than Ward 3. If you got rid of UDC and DCTAG in exchange for in-state tuition anywhere else in the country, those of lower means in DC could knock out the first two years at DC-CC and then transfer to UMD, GMU, or anywhere else in the country to finish up the final two years at in-state prices. Or finish up at Howard, Catholic U, GWU, etc.

UDC's graduation rate is abysmal - only 35% within six years!

https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/edu/131399/university-of-the-district-of-columbia/graduation/

UDC offers AA degrees.

Many years ago the idea was put forward with money behind it to move UDC to St Elizabeth’s so it could have a proper campus closer to most students. The idea was shot down because it was thought to be racist. I’m not kidding.

It would have been one of the most beautiful urban campuses in the united states.