Opinion: Cuts to Pell Grants will only worsen US debt

Federal student-aid programs are wise investments that increase access to higher education and lead to greater wealth for individuals and society. The ironic outcome of reducing funding for student aid programs in the name of debt reduction is that young adults experience higher debt burden early in their careers when they are least able to afford it, or they are forced to opt out of education entirely, thereby lowering the nation’s collective ability to pay future obligations. Eighty percent of the fastest-growing jobs in the country now require training beyond high school. A college degree is practically a necessity in the 21st century and, yet, for many young adults, it is getting harder to afford.