# The Awkward Truth About ‘Free College’—It Isn’t Truly Free

- Link: https://www.widthness.com/the-awkward-truth-about-free-college-it-isnt-truly-free-2/
- Published: 2021-03-25T10:00:57-05:00
- Author: Curated by Theresa Wysocki

Photo: Johnstocker Production / Shutterstock. Article by Rebecca Koenig. EdSurge – March 18, 2021. In 2014, when Tennessee unveiled a statewide scholarship to cover tuition expenses at community colleges, the program was praised for making higher education possible for more people. It even inspired President Obama to pitch a similar federal program. But as soon as more people showed up to campuses in 2015, Tennessee higher ed leaders discovered a problem: Students were surprised by the additional costs of going to college. “‘Free college’ is not free,” explained Shanna Jackson, now president of Nashville State Community College, during a recent webinar. “It’s quite the shock to go and find out your textbook costs are $800 the first week of school.” With the movement for no-tuition community college gaining momentum in more states and earning top billing in President Biden’s education agenda, experts in college access and affordability advise caution about using that potent four-letter word: f-r-e-e. […] Click here to view original web page at www.edsurge.com Curated by Theresa Wysocki Director of Art & Design See Full Bio