The state-run institution is responsible for tuition and maybe some fees, but I don't see why they should be responsible for living expenses. I like Perry's idea.

The major cause of high college tuition has been the Student Loan Program. The colleges and universities know that students can just increase their loans every time there is a rate increase so they have no incentive to keep their costs in line. Paying "professors" over a $100,000 per year to teach one or two courses a week while graduate students actually teach their classes is ludicrous. Meanwhile, the graduating students are burdened for a significant portion of their lives to pay for such nonsense.

Agree with #2. Tuition increases have outpaced inflation for many years. These colleges and universities see an unlimited pool of money available through GSL's and thereby have little incentive to control their budgets. Just like the federal government.

Governor Perry has been in office long enough to appoint all the members of the governing boards of the universities in Texas. They are beginning to assert some will over the liberal faculties.

Degrees now are awarded mostly for attendance. They should be awarded based on knowledge. To gain knowledge, it is not necessary to attend class in an expensive building designed by an over-paid architect designing a monument to himself.

My degree from the University of Texas was about $4000 for all 4 years.

And that included books, tuition, fees, and season tickets to the football games...

Having a good education resulting in a college degree is a wonderful thing.

Obtaining that degree has become one of the greatest scams ever perpetrated on America's youth... by, you guessed it, liberals.

Definition of a liberal: one who seeks an above average lifestyle without having to produce anything of substance in return for it.

I give you the college professor and professorette.

Thank you Rick Perry, a true pioneer in smart governing.
A college degree is by far the biggest rip off in this country. I'm amazed that this bubble hasn't burst already. The same leftoid teachers and professors who vilify capitalism are a part of the this money sucking, profiteering industry.

The bubble is starting to burst. Those holding the bag are the students with $100 or $200k in student loan debt, and the economic value of their degree is $50k a year, not $150k. The facilitator in this has been student loans - which pay for whatever the tuition is, plus living expenses, books, a sememester vacay, etc.

Similar to a previous poster, I attended UT Austin in the 70s and my annual books & tuition ran $1000 a year, plus $2000 in room & board. These days I understand UT would set you back $20-25k a year - a 1 increase in 35 years.

Universities are one of the last places in the US - public primary schools and healthcare are others - where the invisible hand of economics has not yet been allowed to work - yet. Faculty is not efficient, 8 month salaries are out of line, etc. Wouldn't you know it but in these situations - Government is involved, as is politics, other peoples money and the sleeping taxpayors.

Here is advice from a retired professor/dean that will help everyone going to college
First, take a serious look at what you want to major in. If you start college and switch majors once, you will extend your college stay by one year with commensurate costs. Two major changes, two extra years.
And when you pick that major, try to consider what it will do to prepare you for good employment.

Second, take 18 semester hours instead of 15, each semester, and go to summer school and take a minimum of 12 semester hours.
(The Air Force sent me to college in a commissioning program, and we had to take 18 semester hours in the summer. It forces a student to pay attention and stay caught up.)

Third, if you follow my second step, you will graduate in two calendar years plus one additional semester. (and if you were in a program with an internship, that final semester can be in a paid position.)

Fourth, much of college time is squandered in partying. If you feel the need to hit those frat parties and beer blasts, attend one session of alcoholics anonymous.

Fifth, if you earn good grades, and want to go to graduate school, shop around to see who will give you a graduate assistantship or scholarship. That will pay for a master's degree, without borrowing a penny from student loans. (If you are a black or hispanic, you will be offered financial aid for graduate school from just about any place you apply to.)

Remember it's worth 10% of what you pay. Fire all the Lib/Communist Prof's and now we're talking!

Great.
There's already too many useless BS/BA grads running around looking for jobs as it is.

Pretty soon we'll ended up like Egypt where on one hand you need a PhD to wait table and on the other hand losers with BA in basket weaving cum Ethnic Studies and no experience expects six figures job.