Chris Christie Says Debt-Free College Is ‘Wrong,’ Colleges ‘Drunk On Cash’


Chris Christie made it clear at Iowa State University that he does not believe in the idea of free college or loan forgiveness that candidates such as Bernie Sanders, Harry Reid, and Lindsey Graham have been rallying behind, but he does recognize the need for reform in the education system.

Student debt, school choice, and teacher accountability were all topics Chris Christie spoke to on Thursday, not holding anything back as he said that colleges are “drunk on cash.”

“Some colleges are drunk on cash and embarking on crazy spending binges, just because they know they can get huge revenues from tuition.”

The solution? Chris Christie proposed that if schools are not willing to be transparent with their spending, then they will not receive federal grants and aid.

“If you are unwilling to show us what we are paying for and (to) permit us to pay for the education we want, then we should prohibit those institutions from taxpayer-funded programs.”

Chris Christie cited his father’s success on Wall Street as a result of him being full-time student and employee paying his way through his education at Rutgers University. Christie’s father was able to attend college through the G.I. Bill.

“But it’s also the story of how our system is supposed to work – a system where we all need to take personal responsibility to grasp the opportunities of higher education, but also one where we can get a leg up when we need it.”

While Chris Christie said that debt-free college is “wrong,” he did provide alternatives for college students to decrease debt.

These alternatives include using community service to earn grants or forming income share agreements with investors. The agreements would require students to agree to pay a certain percentage of their futures wages in return for private financing from an investor.

“If college graduates are going to reap the greater economic rewards and opportunities of earning a degree, then it seems fair for them to support the cost of the education they’re receiving.”

Chris Christie targeted teachers unions in his speech as well, saying that they put “comfort of adults ahead of the potential of our kids.”

Recently, he was able to win a deal regarding tenure that makes it easier to fire teachers. He also was able to secure an expansion of charter schools.

Christie did not mention the Common Core standards at the event, which has proved to be highly unpopular among conservatives, but has said recently that he has changed his views.

The growing pool of candidates for the Republican nomination does not include Chris Christie yet, but some believe he will announce a campaign at some point.

[Photo By Alex Wong/Getty Images]

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