Families in the United States are struggling to pay their bills, afford groceries and keep up with rising tuition. And rising tuition is pulling students into debt. 

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump and his right-wing allies are attacking higher education and its values: academic freedom, scientific innovation and broad-based opportunities. 

That’s why the AFT and the American Association of University Professors are fighting to make college affordable and accessible for all. Nobody should have to mortgage their future in order to learn. We need colleges and universities that are central to a strong economy, lifesaving research and a vibrant democracy. These belong to all of us.

Together, we must demand the public investment and shared commitment that higher education and our democracy deserve.