SAN ANTONIO – Palo Alto College President Dr. Mike Flores called President Obama's proposal for free tuition at community colleges a "wonderful starting point."
The proposal includes free community college tuition for students who attend at least half-time, maintain a 2.5 grade point average and remain enrolled.
"I think it's a wonderful way to start the conversation about the role community colleges can play to be sure the U.S. is competitive globally," Flores said.
The White House puts the price tag on the plan at $60 billion over 10 years. That would be for the federal government's 75 percent portion. The state's would come up with the other 25 percent.
More details, particularly where the funding would come from, are expected to be addressed in the President's budget next month and his State of the Union address Jan. 20.
"The devil is in the details," Flores said. "So I think we'll be looking at the support the federal government would provide. What is the role of the states and looking at us being able to meet those demands."
Palo Alto is one of the largest Alamo Colleges, with nearly 8,400 enrollment.
Student Lisa Ortega was paying for her fourth semester studying veterinary technology at Palo Alto. One semester costs her nearly $1000 in tuition.
While the proposal will not help her, she supports it.
"I think it's a great idea because some people can't come to college because they don't have the money to pay for it," she said.
Flores calls community colleges the "key to expanding the middle class." It's where students of all ages get workforce training, associate's degrees or move on to four-year universities.
The free college plan may not make the grade with Congress, but Flores hoping the conversation leads to middle ground that will benefit students and the nation as a whole.
