APLU Statement on the Nomination of Linda McMahon For Secretary of Education

Washington, DC – Association of Public and Land-grant Universities President Mark Becker today issued the following statement on President-elect Trump’s announcement that he intends to nominate Linda McMahon for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.

“APLU congratulates Linda McMahon on her nomination as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. APLU and the public and land-grant university community look forward to discussing with Secretary-designate McMahon ways to ensure all Americans have access to high-quality, affordable postsecondary education institutions that prepare students for the workforce and advance the nation’s long-term economic competitiveness. The nation’s future depends on America continuing to be the world leader in higher education. Public research universities are a critical contributor to that leadership and stand ready to partner with the incoming administration to advance American prosperity.

“Public research universities provide the most affordable and reliable path to the middle class and beyond for millions of students each year – educating teachers, nurses, doctors, engineers, and other professionals who help advance a thriving society. Nationally, average net tuition and fees for in-state students are $2,480, down 40 percent over the last decade in inflation-adjusted terms, according to data from the College Board. Most students awarded bachelor’s degrees at public four-year universities complete their degree with zero student debt and those who do borrow graduate with an average debt of $27,100 – 17 percent less than a decade ago after inflation. Public universities also undertake pathbreaking research that drives our world forward through medical breakthroughs that cure diseases, innovations that drive job and business creation, and tackle their communities’ most vexing challenges.

“Critical to the success of these institutions is a partnership with the federal government and we stand ready to serve as a resource to Secretary-designate McMahon to strengthen the impact of public research universities in service to the public.”