[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRATULATING COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 22, 2008

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Columbia 
University on its newly announced initiatives to restructure their 
financial aid policies, in order to provide those students from lower- 
and middle-income families with an affordable solution to skyrocketing 
tuition costs.
  Columbia University has long held the reputation of inclusion, 
attracting the most socioeconomically diverse undergraduate student 
populations among Ivy League universities. The University has recently 
gone a step further announcing that the College will replace loans for 
students qualifying for financial aid with University grants. The 
University is expected to spend upwards of $1 million annually to 
ensure that income disparities do not prevent capable students from 
attending a top university. As the price of college increases more and 
more every year, Columbia's actions display their understanding of the 
importance of a good education to underprivileged children in escaping 
poverty and opening the door to opportunities in life.
  It is my sincere hope that other colleges and universities across the 
Nation will join Columbia in providing those students from lower- and 
middle-income families with a feasible way to pay for college.

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