Impact of Reagan's Policies on Education

The video discusses the student debt crisis in the U.S., highlighting that over 43 million Americans hold student loans totaling over $1.7 trillion. It traces the history of tuition-free public universities and the political shifts that led to the current debt situation, focusing on Ronald Reagan's policies. Reagan's tenure as governor and president saw significant cuts to public education funding, shifting universities to a tuition-based model. This change has had long-term impacts, increasing student debt and altering public perception of higher education. The video argues that Reagan's policies were driven by a desire to suppress campus activism and reduce public spending, despite the economic benefits of investing in education.

What percentage of Americans aged 65 and older with student debt are in default?

• 50%

• 20%

• 30%

• 40%

As of 2021, how does the total student debt in the U.S. compare to other types of debt?

• Less than mortgage debt

• Equal to credit card debt

• More than medical debt

• Less than auto debt

What was the status of public university tuition in the U.S. before major political shifts?

• Very expensive

• Only for the wealthy

• Virtually tuition-free

• Moderately priced

Who is often blamed for the shift towards tuition-based models in public universities?

• Richard Nixon

• Pat Brown

• Lyndon Johnson

• Ronald Reagan

What action did Ronald Reagan take as governor of California regarding public higher education?

• Cut state funding

• Introduced free tuition

• Increased funding

• Privatized universities

How did Reagan's policies change the public perception of universities?

• As centers of innovation

• As unpatriotic institutions

• As national assets

• As community hubs

What was the last year a university class received more grants than loans?

• 1986

• 1984

• 1982

• 1980

What was one of the long-term effects of reduced funding for public universities?

• Increased social mobility

• Decreased student debt

• Higher tuition fees

• More government grants

What is a benefit of investing in public universities according to the transcript?

• Limits job creation

• Reduces innovation

• Boosts the economy

• Increases national debt

What was a concern about a highly educated citizenry according to Reagan's advisors?

• They would leave the country

• They would act out against the political order

• They would not vote

• They would support the current political order