Congressman Peter Welch is pushing legislation that would make federal student load and grant programs more flexible, in response to the new ways in which students pursue college educations.
Welch joined with Vermont State Colleges officials on Monday to announce his introduction of the Flexibility to Innovate for College Affordability Act.
The legislation would give students the freedom to use federal grants and loans for accelerated degree completion, competency based learning, competency testing and dual enrollment.
Welch says the aim is to help make college more affordable. He says college costs have risen 1,120 percent over the last 30 years, with outstanding student debt now at $1.2 trillion.
