Global Breaking News - Monday, October 5, 2026

Do Wealthy Colleges Deserve Their Tax Breaks?

In a recent op-ed column, Richard Vedder of the Center for College Affordability and Productivity and a frequent Room for Debate contributor, pondered the fairness of tax breaks for a wealthy university like Princeton, while a state institution like the College of New Jersey begs for funding. His comments raise a good question: Should government change its tax exemption policies for universities as a way of equalizing educational resources in America?

 정부는 교육 재정을 평등하게 하는 하나의 수단으로 대학에 대한 무관세 정책을 바꾸어야 하나요?

1) Why the Wealthy Few?
Subsidy policies toward nonprofit colleges shouldn't be driven by reactions to a handful of wealthy places. 
 
2) Tax Deductions Have a Purpose
Today’s charitable contributions to private institutions help to fund scholarships for low-income students and undergird democracy.
 
3) It’s Not About the Tax Breaks
The 'new normal' means that states must acknowledge their responsibility in funding higher education.
 
4) Why Perpetuate a Bad Policy?
Total per-student aid hasn't made college more affordable, it's just allowed colleges to raise their fees.
 
5) Let’s Fix Our Budget Priorities
States have made higher education a low priority, and many federal dollars are going to for-profit colleges that have no interest in the public good.
 
6) Colleges Provide a Public Good
Colleges deserve due deference in the tax code because they make our economy, country and lives better.