Hillary Clinton advocates affordable education in college visit

Hillary Clinton speaking about affordable college
Hillary Clinton speaks to a crowd about college affordability at Grand View University (Caroline Kenny/MEDILL)

By Caroline Kenny

DES MOINES, Iowa–Appealing to students worried about rising college costs, Hillary Clinton called Friday for student loan reform and urged state governments and university presidents to work together to lower tuition.

Clinton criticized a proposal by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, her chief Democratic rival, that would provide free tuition at all public four-year colleges and universities.

“I do not intend to pay for Donald Trump’s youngest child, or other billionaire children, to go for free to college,” Clinton told Medill Reports after a Friday speech at Grand View University in Des Moines. “They will have to pay.”

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Campaign 2016
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Polls suggest that Clinton and Sanders are running neck and neck in Iowa ahead of Monday night’s first-in-the-nation caucuses. Both are hoping to woo young voters who could deliver the winning margin.

Clinton, joined by her husband, former president Bill Clinton, will be leading rallies across Iowa until the caucus doors open. They are urging supporters to make phone calls and knock on doors – whatever it takes to mute Sanders’ surprising strength.

Students in the audience at Grand View University cheered loudly  when Clinton discussed making college more affordable for all. After the speech, she spoke further about her strategy. She said money should go to those who need it most

Photo at top: Hillary Clinton speaks to a crowd about college affordability at Grand View University (Caroline Kenny/MEDILL)